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5 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



t — T ;tD & — j 

I UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. | 



Baltimore, Md., June 16, 1851. 
We have every confidence in Brother P. Donaldson, who has 
long been connected with the literature of our Order. His 
Text Book, just published by Moss & Brother, of Philadelphia, 
is a work which we cheerfully recommend to all Lodges, and 
all Members of the Order. "While it gives all the information 
desirable, for the use of our Fraternity, it is a Book, which, at 
the same time, may be read with interest by our wives and 
children. 
Signed, 
THOMAS WILDEY, 

Past Grand Sire, and founder of the Order in the 
United States. 
JAS. L. RIDGELY, 

B. W. G. Secretary Grand Lodge IT. S. 
GEO. S. MORRIS, 

G. M. G. L. State of Pennsylvania. 
WM. CURTIS, 

Grand Secretary G. L. State of Pennsylvania. 



RECOMMENDATIONS. 

The subjoined Recommendations, from a number of Lodges 
and prominent men of the Order of Odd-Fellows, are a few of the 
many which the author of the Text-Book has received. The 
publishers take pleasure in submitting the evidence they afford 
of the estimation in which the writer of this work is held by the 
Fraternity. 

" P.G. Donaldson is one of our most worthy and active Odd- 
Fellows. His knowledge of Odd-Fellowship well fits him for 
the duties of an expositor of its principles. His addresses are 
instructive, and much good has been derived from them. The 
undersigned commend Bro. D. to the friendly regards of the 
Brotherhood, as being a true Odd-Fellow and a worthy and in- 
telligent man, whose acquaintance the members will be pleased 
to make ; and any attention shown to him will be appreciated 
and cheerfully reciprocated by the undersigned. 

"JOS. R. TAYLOR, Grand-Master, 
" JOHN G. TREADWELL, Grand Sec'y, 
"MATTHEW BIRD, Grand Treasurer, 
"WILSON SMALL, Past Grand-Master, 

" Of the R. W. Grand Lodge of New York. 
« ROBT. H. MORRIS, of No. 46, Late Mayor of New York. 

"We also concur in recommending P.G. Paschal Donaldson 
to the Order in general, from our knowledge of his usefulness. 
" JOHN A. KENNEDY, Past Grand-Sire, 
" THOMAS WILDEY, Past Grand-Sire, 
" JAS. L. RIDGELY, Corresponding Sec'y, 

" Of the Grand Lodge of the United States. 
" WILLIAM CURTIS, Grand Secretary 

" Of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. 
" E. MORRIS, Grand Secretary 

" Of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey." 

" At a meeting of the members of the I. O. of O. F., of this 
city [Cincinnati, Ohio], held at their Hall, for the purpose 
of hearing an Address from P.G. P. Donaldson, the following 
Resolution was unanimously adopted, and the undersigned were 
appointed a committee to forward a copy for publication in the 
Covenant. 

" Resolved, That the thanks of the Odd-Fellows of Cincin- 
nati are hereby tendered to P.G. Paschal Donaldson, of New 
York, for the kindness with which he accepted their invitation 
to address them, and the ability and eloquence with which he 
impressed upon their minds the beauty and the strength of the 
principles of Odd-Fellowship. 

» MARK P. TAYLOR, Past Grand, 

" THOMAS SHERLOCK, Past Grand-Sire, 

" ALBT. G. DAY, Past Grand Representative, 

" Of the Grand Lodge of Ohio." 
1 



" Bro. Donaldson : It affords me pleasure to transmit to you 
the following Resolutions, which were passed unanimously at 
a large meeting of the members of the I. O. of O. F. in this 
city [Washington, D. C], on the evening of the 29th inst. 

« C. W. BOTELER, Sec'y. 

" Resolved, That the thanks of the members of the Order of 
the city of Washington, be and are hereby presented to P.G. 
Donaldson, for his Lecture, replete with sound doctrine, excel- 
lent advice, and sterling truth, delivered in our hearing this 
evening. Resolved, further, That we tender him our warmest 
wishes for his health, happiness, and prosperity through life." 

" At a regular meeting of Jefferson Lodge, No. 46 [New 
York City], on the evening of March 21st, the following was 
unanimously adopted : — 

" Resolved, That the thanks of this Lodge be tendered to 
Bro. Paschal Donaldson, for the excellent Lecture, on the prin- 
ciples and duties of Odd-Fellowship, which he has delivered 
before the Lodge this evening ; and that this Resolution be en- 
tered on the minutes of this Lodge. 

" SAMUEL WANDELL, Past Grand, 
« LEWIS K. OSBORN, Past Grand, . 
» BENJ. B. HALLOCK, Past Grand, 
" Of Jefferson Lodge, No. 46, of New York City." 

" We unhesitatingly affirm, that a more interesting and im- 
portant work than this [The Odd-Fellows' Text-Book], in 
all that regards the concerns of our Order, has never been given 
to the public. The members of our Institution have long felt 
the need of a work, which should not only embody the principal 
characteristics of Odd-Fellowship, but which should give at a 
glance every particular of the Order which might of right be 
given to the world. Bro. Donaldson is in every respect compe- 
tent to the task of producing such a work ; and we are satisfied 
that the Text-Book is destined to become a valuable, if not an 
indispensable requisite of every Odd-Fellow's library. No sub- 
ject possessed of interest to Odd-Fellows, or connected with 
Odd-Fellowship, has been omitted." — Banner of the Union. 

" I take great pleasure in recommending P.G. Paschal Don- 
aldson, whose connection with the literature of our Order is too 
well known to need any elucidation. He brings with him the 
highest testimonials from his own Lodge, the Grand Lodge, and 
Past Grand-Sire Kennedy. He carries with him our very best 
wishes ; and I commend him to the kindest regards of the Order. 
" JOHN W. DWINELLE, District-Deputy Grand- 
Master, and Representative to the G. L. of the United States." 

We have received many other Recommendations of Grand 
and Subordinate Lodges, which speak in the highest terms of 
the capacity and ability of the author of the Text-Book. 

MOSS 8c BROTHER, Publishers, 

NO. 12 SOUTH FOURTH STREET, PHILADELPHIA. 
9 




OF 










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THE 



ODD-FELLO¥S' TEIT-BOOK 



AN ELUCIDATION OF 



THE THEORY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP: 



EMBRACING 



A DETAIL OF THE SYSTEM, IN ALL ITS BRANCHES 



FORMS, CEREMONIES, AND ODES WITH MUSIC, FOR IMPORTANT 

OCCASIONS, AND A MANUAL OF PRACTICE FOR THE 

GUIDANCE OF OFFICERS AND LODGES. 



BY PASCHAL DONALDSON: 

D. D. GRAND-MASTER OF THE R. W. GRAND LODGE OF NORTHERN NEW YORK. 



Wlft) 25Iefltmt Etiustrattbe 23ng?abftissf. 



PHILADELPHIA: 
MOSS & BROTHER, 

NO. 12 SOUTH FOURTH ST. 



1851. 



^ 

>> 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1851, 

By MOSS & BROTHER, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, in and 
for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 



J 



STEREOTYPED BY C. C. SAVAGE, 
13 Chambers Street, N. Y. 



T. K. & P. G. COLLINS, PRINTKR8, 



PREFACE. 



The Fraternity is indebted to Moss & Brother, 
the worthy publishers of this Work, for the idea of an 
" Odd-Fellows' Text-Book." At their suggestion, I 
have written and compiled this Volume. I need not 
advert to the labor it has cost me to prepare it : I 
will only say that I have endeavored faithfully to dis- 
charge the trust confided to me. 

I must not forget to add, that I am gratefully in- 
debted for valuable hints and assistance to Brothers 
Raleigh F. Daniel, Esq., of North Carolina ; Rev. 
John D. M'Cabe, of Virginia ; Hon. John Brough, 
of Ohio ; and Rev. B. B. Hallock, of New York 
city. 

As the author, I may be permitted to say a word 
for the publishers of the "Book:" they richly de- 
serve the patronage of the Order. They have been 
most liberal in the employment of means to render 
the mechanical departments of the " Text-Book" 
worthy of our great Brotherhood. 



RD. 



New- York, 1st May, 1851. 
1* 



TO 

WILLIAM HOPKINS, 

Most Worthy Grand-Master of the Grand Lodge of Northern New York ; 



Right Worthy Grand-Secretary of the Grand Lodge, and Right Worthy Grand- 
Scribe of the Grand Encampment, of Northern New York ; 

JOHN G-REEN, 

Past Grand-Patriarch of the Grand Encampment of New York ; 

LEWIS K. OSBORN, 

Past Grand High-Priest of the Grand Encampment of New York ; 

P. DUNG-AN, 

Past District-Deputy Grand-Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania ; 

J. V. VAN DOREN, 

Of New Brunswick Lodge, No. vi., at New Brunswick, New Jersey ; 

AND 

EDWARD MUSCHAMP, 

Of Chosen Friends' Lodge, No xxix., at Camden, New Jersey — 

TRUE MEN— FROM WHOM, IN THE VARIED CIRCUMSTANCES OF MY LIFE, 

WHETHER OF ADVERSITY OR PROSPERITY — OF EVIL OR GOOD REPORT— 

OF MISFORTUNE OR SUCCESS — I HAVE EVERMORE EXPERIENCED 

FRIENDSHIP 

ENDURING AS ETERNITY, AND AS TRUE AS HEAVEN ; 

I AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATE 

€\x$ % n nit. 

Paschal Donaldson. 



CONTENTS. 



Grand-Master William Hopkins page 9 

History and Tendency of Odd-Fellowship 13 

Chapter I. — General Remarks — Our Mysteries 

— Origin of the Order — History — Antiquity 13 

Chapter II. — Origin of the Order in America.. 26 
Chapter III. — Principles and Tendency of Odd- 
Fellowship „ 39 

Organization of Odd-Fellowship „ j 49 

A "Word to the Neophyte 54 

The Subordinate Lodge 55 

The Officers of a Lodge.. - * ., 64 

The Noble-Grand 64 

The Vice- Grand 67 

The Secretary 68 

The Treasurer „ 71 

The Conductor „ 72 

The Warden 73 

The Guardians 73 

The Supporters 74 

Attendance at the Lodge „ 74 

Behavior in the Lodge 75 

Behavior out of the Lodge 76 

Duty of one Member toward Another 78 

Charity should distinguish Odd-Fellows 82 

The Proposal of Candidates... ., 86 

Discipline of Odd-Fellowship „ 89 

Principles of Odd-Fellowship 93 

Opening and Closing a Lodge 98 

Degrees and Degree Lodges ., 100 

Subordinate Encampments 102 

State Grand Lodges and Grand Encampments 105 

Grand Lodges 107 

Grand Encampments Ill 



8 CONTENTS. 

The Grand Lodge of the United States page 114 

Organization of Lodges, etc., and Installation of Officers. . 119 

An Odd-Fellow's Counsel : in Nine Chapters 122 

Chapter 1 122 

Chapter II 128 

Chapter III 131 

Chapter IV 141 

Chapter V 145 

Chapter VI - 150 

Chapter VII 153 

Chapter VIII 155 

Chapter IX 159 

An Odd-Fellow's Counsel (concluded) : 167 

Secrecy 179 

General Regulations of the Order 187 

Regalia and Jewels 187 

The T.P.W 191 

Cards 192 

Brothers Travelling 194 

Ceremony at Dedication of an Odd-Fellows' Hall 195 
Ceremony at the Funeral of a Deceased Brother 200 

Form of a Procession of Odd-Fellows 205 

Rules for Sub. Lodges and D. D. Grand Masters 208 

Application for Degrees 211 

Honorary Degree for Ladies 213 

Addressed to the Ladies 216 

To the Uninitiated 223 

Odd-Fellowship and Patriotism 232 

Odd-Fellowship and Religion 233 

An Address for the Use of Odd-Fellows 234 

Condition of the Order in 1850 257 

Odes for Several Important Occasions 267 

The Odd-Fellows' Temple 267 

Anniversary Ode 268 

Consecration Ode 270 

The Burial 271 

Odd-Fellows' Parting Hymn 272 

A Manual of Practice, for the Guidance of Presiding Offi- 
cers, Members of Lodges, etc 273 

Officers, and Members of the G. Lodge of the United States 283 



WILLIAM HOPKINS, ESQ., 

RIGHT WORTHY GRAND-MASTER OF THE GRAND LODGE OF N. N. Y. 



In the year 1837, we were temporarily a resident 
of the beautiful village (now city) of Auburn, in the 
state of New York. Our sojourn there was so brief, 
and our engagements required so large a portion of 
our time and attention, that we found little opportunity 
to cultivate the acquaintance of the good people of the 
town. In sooth, we were indisposed to court society ; 
for we had been the victim of a stranger, under whose 
auspices we had left our home in New York : he had 
promised much but performed — nothing. In other 
words, we had been "hired" by a sharper, who in- 
duced us to take ourselves and our family "out there" 
by an assurance that, for our services in managing his 
printing-office, we should receive a certain stipulated 
sum per week. The " aforesaid" weekly stipend was 
unfortunately so exceedingly like angels' visits, that, 
(O that we should acknowledge it !) as we were nude 
of cash and too proud to ask credit, our situation soon 
became one " more easily imagined than described." 



10 WILLIAM HOPKINS, ESQ. 

But " it is an ill wind that blows no good." In the 
midst of our tribulation, we were so fortunate as to 
form the acquaintance and secure the friendship of 
Professor William Hopkins, of the Auburn Acade- 
my. He was then, as we have often since thought, 
a true Odd-Fellow in everything but name. Compre- 
hending our difficulty, and appreciating the awkward 
circumstances of our situation, he made every effort 
to lighten our burden and encourage us, in our per- 
plexity. We remember him, then as ever, as a plain, 
candid, generous man, with a countenance and de- 
meanor which, in every feature, indicated the integ- 
rity and sincerity of a true heart. We have not here 
the space, nor is this the occasion, for a detail of the 
friendly service and kindness he showed us ; our bu- 
siness is now briefly to furnish a sketch of his life 
and connection with Odd-Fellowship ; but we have 
availed ourselves of the opportunity here presented to 
place on record an acknowledgment of the obligation 
we owe the friend, whose portrait, as it appears in this 
book, affords, if there be any truth in physiognomy, 
a striking corroboration of our assertion that he is in 
heart and feeling a man. The picture itself, we must 
add, is as true to Nature as Art ever painted her. It 
represents William Hopkins in perfection. 

" Mr. Hopkins," says the Cayuga Chief, " is a 
full-sized, square-shouldered individual, thirty-nine 
years of age, and in vigorous health. A stranger see- 
ing him in the streets, would recognise at once, in 



WILLIAM HOPKINS, ESQ. 11 

that careless rocking of the shoulders, and in that 
resolute stride, the frank, cordial, and open-hearted 
character of the man. He puts down his heel with a 
hearty good will, and in the same spirit puts his palm 
in a friend's." 

Prof. Hopkins was born in Hebron, Washington 
county, N. Y. His grandfather was long a senator and 
judge. His father was a blacksmith and farmer, with 
whom he lived until eighteen years of age. He then 
made a determination to secure a collegiate education, 
which he accomplished ; not through the aid of friends, 
but his own energy and perseverance. He graduated 
at Williams' college in 1836. Thence he went to 
Auburn, Cayuga county, H. Y., and became Principal 
of the Auburn Academy, which position he still occu- 
pies. 

Grand-Master Hopkins is a member of Osco Lodge, 
No. 56, attached to the Grand Lodge of Northern New 
York. He was initiated into the Order in 1843. A 
gentleman of high character and commanding talents, 
the influence of his connection with Odd-Fellowship 
was speedily felt, not only in his own immediate 
neighborhood, but throughout western New York — 
a section well known as the theatre of that romantic 
hoax, which frightened little children and weak men 
out of their propriety, yclept the " Morgan Affair" 
In less than two years after his initiation, Bro. Hop- 
kins had served in the several official capacities of a 
subordinate Lodge ; and he therefore entered the 



12 WILLIAM HOPKINS, ESQ. 

Grand Lodge in 1844. From that time until the 
present (1851), he has been a prominent leader in the 
Fraternity. In 1847, he acted efficiently as the Dis- 
trict-Deputy Grand-Master of the county of Cayuga. 
In 1849, he was elevated to the office of Deputy, and 
in 1850, he was elected and installed Grand Master, 
of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of Northern New 
York — which office he now holds. Since his eleva- 
tion to this position, he has visited a large proportion 
of the Lodges under his charge, in which he has been 
received with the most enthusiastic welcome. He is 
undoubtedly the most popular grand-officer the state 
of New York has ever possessed. The Lodges unan- 
imously respect him as a man, and honor and love him 
as a brother. 

We will take this occasion to remark, that, under 
the instruction and official superintendence of Grand- 
Master Hopkins, the Order in Northern New York 
is in a most prosperous condition, and a model of 
correct and perfect " work." For this reputation, we 
must add, it is indebted also, in a great measure, to 
the efficiency of William H. H. Prall, Esq., the 
popular Grand Sec'y of the Grand Lodge of N. N. Y. 

With this brief notice of the original of our portrait, 
we conclude our sketch, by wishing, in the sincerity 
of our heart, Grand-Master Hopkins a long life of 
usefulness and enjoyment ; to which, we have no 
doubt, the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, one 
and universal, will respond. 



THE 

ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 



THE HISTORY AND TENDENCY OF 
ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 



CHAPTER I. 

GENERAL REMARKS— OUR MYSTERIES— ORIGIN OF THE 
ORDER— HISTORY— ANTIQUITY. 

As love and regard grow out of contact and com- 
munion, so, by an unalterable law of our moral consti- 
tution, men naturally behold with indifference, if not 
with aversion and prejudice, objects which seem to 
hold no sympathy with them, and from whose con- 
cerns they are shut out, as it were, by a wall. These 
influences it is our duty to our Order as far as possible 
to remove : moreover, we owe an explanation to soci- 
ety at large ; for wherever the conventional compact 
exists, men are deeply interested in any organization 
which is formed, or any principle which is agitated 
among them, as ultimately it must have a good or evil 
bearing upon themselves. We declare, then, at once, 
that the whole scope and object of our association is to 
make its members wiser and better men, — by the 
equality and condition which it supposes, to break 
down and soften the arrogance and selfishness of the 
human heart — to subdue the asperities of sects and 

2 



14 

parties — to inculcate charity and brotherly love — to 
strengthen and invigorate all the relations in which man 
can be contemplated, toward himself, his family, his 
neighbor, his country, his God. And to these ends 
our institution appeals directly to bis social, the strong- 
est of all man's instincts. We are simply a society for 
mutual improvement in virtue, religion, and sound 
morals ; and for the practice of a judicious, well-di- 
rected, and efficient charity. We bring to the aid of 
this honorable pursuit the principle of social combina- 
tion ; the same principle of activity and energy which 
has been applied to all pursuits, whether industrial or 
moral. It is the remark of an acute and philosophical 
observer, that the " political associations which exist 
in the United States are only a single feature in the 
midst of the immense assemblage of associations in 
that country Americans of all ages, all condi- 
tions, and all dispositions, constantly form associations. 
They have not only commercial and manufacturing 
companies, in which all take part, but associations of 
all other kinds, religious, moral, serious, beneficial, 
etc. If it be proposed to advance some truth, or to 
foster some feeling, by the encouragement of a great 
example, they form a society." These reflections 
evince the strong necessity of moral, as well as other 
combinations, to advance the great cause of human 
improvement ; and even were Odd-Fellowship a thing 
of yesterday, we might derive from them a sanction 
for the institution we are seeking to enlarge and per- 
petuate. 

Our "mysteries" are objected to by some, who 
would confound us in this respect with those secret as- 
sociations which, at various eras, have scourged the 



THE ODD-FELLOWS TEXT-BOOK. 15 

world : yet our reasons for adopting them seem to us 
simple and satisfactory : for our " mystic signs," with- 
out the medium of a common language, bind in their 
golden chain the tongues and tribes of all the earth. 
They are a safeguard against intrusion, and a protec- 
tion from the imposition of the depraved and aban- 
doned. They may make our connection more inti- 
mate, and prevent our labors from being regarded with 
the indifference which familiarity always begets. In 
every age of the world we may trace institutions, whe- 
ther formed for mutual protection, or the prosecution 
of some useful branch of knowledge, to whose pro- 
ceedings the broad seal of secrecy has been' affixed, 
the better to shield their labors from the ravages of 
prejudice and ignorance. Thus, in the infancy of Sci- 
ence, her votaries bound themselves by a solemn vow 
to reveal to none but the initiated her nascent glories ; 
and Religion, throwing around the laboratory of Sci- 
ence and Art her solemn sanctions, seized the mystic 
union of Mind as an agent in enforcing the morals of 
her creed. Dark and unsatisfying as those teachings 
were, they tended to impart that regard for moral asso- 
ciation which would present motives for perseverance 
in the acquisition of useful knowledge. In this early 
age of the world and under these auspices, it is said, 
was laid the foundation-stone of the celebrated " Elcu- 
synian Mysteries" about which so much has been said, 
and so little is really known : and, though we admit 
their subsequent perversion to the worst purposes, in 
that primitive age, they embodied the perfection of the 
moral code then known. At the period referred to, 
and for ages subsequent, Egypt was the seat of sci- 
ence ; and the learned of every nation crowded her 



16 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 

temples, and sought admission to her mysteries — for 
in them alone were the undimmed beauties of knowl- 
edge permitted to shine. Homer, Lycurgus, Plato, 
Thales, Euclid, and a long roll of remembered names, 
were initiated by the Egyptian priests, and returned 
home laden with the wisdom which the world then 
possessed. A branch of this institution was trans- 
planted into Greece, by the Egyptian Cecrops, the 
founder of Athens ; and into Judea, doubtless by those 
wise men who built the temple of Solomon ; and thus 
by degrees the mysteries passed into most of the East- 
ern nations, and thence into other countries. Some 
have charged the excesses of the feasts of Bacchus, 
and the other abominable rites of heathenism, to this 
association. They were in no manner connected with 
them, but were the result of vile imitations, of which, 
at this distant day, we can form no proper conception. 
Following in the line of history, through all subsequent 
periods, we perceive similar associations, modified by 
time and the religious customs of the countries in 
which they existed, no doubt shoots of the luxuriant 
stem that flourished in the nursery of young Science. 
The "Dionysian Artificers" u Essenes" "Kasade- 
ans" " Fraternity of Builders,'''' and, finally, the 
"Fraternity of Ancient York Masons"- — all these 
are only modifications through which the principle 
of secret social union has passed down to us from an- 
tiquity. We refer to these societies, because the rec- 
ord of their existence is more clear and distinct than 
that of many others whose memory is lost in oblivion. 
In truth, the mementoes of the principle of secret asso- 
ciation are impressed upon our very language in vari- 
ous forms. Thus, not to go farther, we hear, as a 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 17 

common expression, of the mystery of particular trades, 
in which the master binds himself to instruct his ap- 
prentice ; by which we are distinctly referred to the 
fact in the history of modern Europe, that when Art 
began her infant struggles against feudal oppression, 
her first acquisitions were fenced in and protected by 
the bonds of mystic union. Her accomplishments were 
mysteries to which the initiated only advanced by de- 
grees, and under the solemn compact to preserve them 
inviolate. By these aids did she, with her handmaid 
Commerce, contribute to raise a noble fabric of Eng- 
lish civilization, which has braved the storms of a 
thousand years. The societies of the ancient Druids 
furnish another example of the force of the social prin- 
ciple. They, too, had their temples of mystic sci- 
ence, the humanizing influence of which probably pre- 
served their history from the stain of human sacrifice : 
and, even among the aborigines of our own continent, 
small, select compacts are said to exist, bound by the 
seal of secrecy, who communicate by signs, and insist 
that their societies have existed from eternity. The 
most interesting of these is found among the Iroquois ; 
it consists of five Oneidas, two Cuayagas, two Saint 
Regis, and six Senecas. It is thus avouched, that the 
natural, as well as the civilized man, seeks a more in- 
timate and endearing connection with his fellow than 
is secured by the common usages of society. Let it 
not be objected, that to secret associations may be as- 
cribed frauds, iniquities, and oppressions, the darkest 
that stain the page of history. Thus, we have not for- 
gotten the "Rosa Croix" or "Brothers of Exalted 
Dew" the " Carbonari of Italy ," or the " German 
llluminati" — wretches who paled the very cheek of 

2 * 



18 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 

night with their atrocities ; nor the Thugs of India, 
more recently discovered, where the bond of union 
was cemented with human blood — among whom mur- 
der and robbery were accounted degrees of honor, and 
who for centuries had been applying the knot and 
cord to their victims indiscriminately, and without dis- 
covery or suspicion. Let it be remembered that these 
societies were really secret in their character : that the 
members were unknown ; that their places of meeting 
were concealed ; their purposes infamous : we might 
as well conclude all government unjust and oppres- 
sive, because the despotism of the Old World deprived 
men of their inalienable rights, as to charge a sound 
system of moral union with the vices and evils of cor- 
rupt association. 

With regard to the origin of Odd-Fellowship, we 
claim for it a high antiquity. At a meeting of breth- 
ren, held in the Greenock district, Scotland, in 1S40, 
Brother Cooper, a gentleman fully conversant with 
his subject, remarked that our Order was first estab- 
lished by the Roman soldiers, in camp, during the 
reign of Nero, in the year 55. " At that time," says 
Brother Cooper, "they were called Fellow- Citizens ; 
and the present name was given by Titus CaBsar, in 
the year 79, from the singularity of their notions, and 
from their knowing each other by night or by day ; 
and from their fidelity to him and their country, he 
not only gave them the name of Odd Fellows, but at 
the same time, as a pledge of friendship, presented 
them with a dispensation, engraved on a plate of 
gold, bearing different emblems — such as the sun, 
moon, stars, the lamb, the lion, the dove, and other 
emblems of mortality." 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 19 

The first accounts of the Order being spread in 
other countries are in the fifth century, when it was 
established in the Spanish dominions ; and in the sixth 
century, by King Henry, in Portugal. In the twelfth 
century it was established in France ; and afterward 
by John de Neville in England, attended by five 
knights from France, who formed a " Loijal Grand 
Lodge of Honor" in London, which remained until 
the eighteenth century (in the reign of George III.), 
when a part of them began to form themselves into a 
Union ;* and a portion of these remain up to this day. 
The Lodges which have arisen from these several or- 
ganizations are numerous throughout the%orld, and 
have been called, at different periods, by the names of 
the " Loyal Ancient Odd-Fellows" the " Union Odd- 
Fellows" and the " Manchester Unity Odd-Fellows." 
This last is of more recent date, and there is no doubt 
of its emanation from the original sources above-named. 
Its first introduction into Manchester was about the 
year 1800, by a few individuals from the " Union" in 
London, who formed themselves into a Lodge, and 
continued in connection with the " Union" Order for 
a time, when some differences caused a separation, 
and the Association declared itself independent; hence 
we now have the " Independent Order of Odd-Fellows." 
— They have kept their word — "independent" they 
have been since this " difference :" and they have 
progressed in number, in talent, and in respectability ; 
at this moment the banner of Odd-Fellowship proudly 
floats in many a clime, waving over the ruins of pov- 

* It is due to truth and candor to remark, that there is no 
doubt the earlier Lodges of Odd-Fellows in England were of a 
convivial character. 



20 

erty and sadness. The genius of benevolence maybe 
seen pointing the way where sorrow may be solaced, 
and poverty ameliorated. Observe the immense num- 
ber of Odd-Fellows in Great Britain, in the United 
States, in Holland, Germany, Spain, and even in New 
South Wales, Gibraltar, and Malta : in short, from the 
burning rays of the torrid to the cheerless sky of 
the frigid zone, and in " the islands of the seas," an 
Odd-Fellow may find a brother. Witness the Frater- 
nity in California, as an example of the beneficent pur- 
poses of the Odd-Fellows. What have they not done 
for the poor, the friendless, the sick, and the dis- 
tressed? How many, who have gone hence with high 
hopes and fair prospects — who expected to bring from 
the "land of promise" the golden substance that was, 
in their own hopeful imagination, to make them for 
ever invulnerable (pecuniarily) to the numerous "ills 
that flesh is heir to," but had fallen, half-way between 
their starting-point and their goal — have been raised 
from wretchedness by the kindly offices and sym- 
pathy of the Odd-Fellow, and restored to the home 
which they abandoned for what proved, to them, truly 
an ignis fatuns ! Yet these are by no means solitary 
examples. The history of Odd-Fellowship is full of 
similar acts. 

But, with all due respect for Brother Cooper's in- 
teresting statement, concerning the origin of the Order, 
we must be permitted to remark, that, while we will 
not deny its authenticity, we have very little concern 
in regard to the antiquity of Odd-Fellowship. We 
are for jirmcijrfcs, rather than dates, and more disposed 
to inquire what the Order is, than when it originated. 
There is a disposition in many minds to view with a 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 21 

kind of sacredness that which bears the stamp of an- 
tiquity. Forgetting that 

" The Old yields always to the New," 

they often honor and revere systems and institutions, 
simply because they are " ancient." We are free to 
say — even though the assertion may subject us to the 
charge of heterodoxy — that in our view Odd-Fellow- 
ship would be no better, as a Fraternity simply, if it 
were as old as the bow of heaven, or the everlasting 
hills. We contend that the principles on which it is 
founded, the objects it has in view, and the good influ- 
ences that it exerts among men, are matters much more 
important than its " venerable age." Why should we 
glorify the past ? Let us for a moment consider this 
matter. What has man accomplished in modern days, 
which man in ancient times never dreamed of attempt- 
ing ! There is no more of the subtle, indefinable light 
now than there was when the Almighty created it ; but 
neither the wise Babel-builders, nor Diana's craftsmen, 
nor the Grecian or Roman philosophers and sages, 
understood, as Newton did, how to analyze, dissect, 
and subdivide it, as the anatomist divides his subject. 
The materials that compose the deadly gunpowder all 
lay in their secret chambers, when Samson slew his 
thousands with the jaw-bone, and Shamgar put to 
death six hundred men in a day with an ox-goad ; yet 
not until the fourteenth century of the Christian era 
was it sent out, by Schwartz, of Germany, in its roar 
and blasting, to terrify and destroy. Water would fly 
ofTin steam, and was as capable of generating this po- 
tent agent in the days of the battering-rams, and the 



22 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

sluggish Grecian ships, as it is at the present time ; but 
it was left for Watt, and Fitch, and Fulton, to " give 
it the wings of the wind and the energies of Jupiter." 
From the day that clouds, mingled with fire and smoke, 
rolled in fleecy volumes over Sinai's summit, the light- 
nings have shattered the old trees of the forest, and 
the thunders uttered their voices of desolation over the 
ruins ; yet nearly 1800 years of the Christian dispen- 
sation had passed away, when Franklin's genius, supe- 
rior in this respect to the most brilliant minds that had 
preceded his, gave identity and character to electricity, 
and subjected the incomprehensible fluid to his will. 
The principle by which the electric essence might be 
made the medium of thought and intelligence has ever 
existed ; yet among all the wise, and learned, and sci- 
entific of the ancients, there was no Morse to apply it. 
The art of printing, a knowledge of which would have 
been of infinite value and importance to the book- 
makers of the ancient world, was not discovered by 
the "wise men of old ;" but, by an humble German, 
as late as the fifteenth century. 

Odd-Fellowship, as an operative, individual com- 
pact, may be " ancient ;" it may claim with some cer- 
tainty to have originated in the palmy days of old 
Rome ; but there is positive evidence that its princi- 
ples — its materiel — have existed from time immemo- 
rial. It was the spirit of our system which went up 
in acceptable incense from the altar of righteous Abel ; 
which warned the ungodly and vile citizens of Sodom 
and Gomorrah ; which went with Abraham into the 
wilderness, among the wretchedly ignorant and idola- 
trous heathen, and caused him there to rear his al- 
tar of true patriarchal piety and genuine worship ; 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 23 

which led him to the mountain, where the wood and 
fire were prepared to sacrifice his only son ; and as he 
raised the shining death-knife to plunge it into the 
heart of his boy — his beloved — the angel whose soft 
tones came from the throne, crying "Forbear!" also 
recorded one of the features of this Order, Fidelity. 
What we would contend for is principle, not a name ; 
truth, rather than antiquity ; original greatness, rather 
than ancient identity. If we affirm, therefore, that 
Odd-Fellowship as a compact should receive little 
credit for antiquity, we are always ready to elucidate 
the fact, that its essence, its principles and power, are 
coeval and coexistent with the race of Adam. We 
can see, in the mellow tints of the rainbow that the 
Almighty bended in the heavens, that principle which 
gives our Institution one of the gems in its crown — 
Faithfulness to a solemn promise. We can hear, in 
the thunders that shook Sinai, the voice of Truth, as 
its glowing fire flashed in the clouds that lowered about 
that monument of the Divine presence and power. In 
the ephod, and the breastplate, and the curious girdle, 
spoken of in Scripture, we can see the symbols of that 
benevolence and friendship, which, even in a barba- 
rous and iron age, were delegated to individuals, that 
the name and excellence of the everlasting God might 
be declared and revered, and mankind might take their 
degrees in moral and intellectual advancement. We 
can see, in the two tablets of stone, that were carried 
" early in the morning" to the mount, when the Lord 
descended in the cloud, and the covenant with Israel 
was made, the signs and tokens of a moral power be- 
fore which the altars and images of paganism crumbled, 
and light and reflection shed their healing influence 



24 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

amid the unhallowed groves of the unsanetified idola- 
ters. We can trace, in the friendship of David and 
Jonathan, an affection that made them lovely in their 
lives, and that united them in death — a love that made 
an arrow a tongue to speak, when the murderer 
whetted his death-knife. Do men inquire how "old" 
Odd-Fellowship is ? We refer them to the smoking 
incense that rose from the altar of righteous Abel ; to 
the dove, as it bore to the ark, that stood above the 
ruin of a world, the olive-leaf; to old Noah, amid his 
vine-clad farm, surrounded by the cattle on a thousand 
hills ; to Caleb and Joshua, as they stood by the heap 
of stones, reared up as an everlasting symbol to the 
generations to come, of Friendship, Love, and Truth ; 
to Jonathan and David, as they stood by the stone 
Esel, where, in the touching language of Scripture, 
" David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell 
on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three 
times : and they kissed one another, and wept one with 
another, until David exceeded." 

We assert, therefore, of Odd-Fellowship, that its 
materials — its life-blood, and heat, and soul — are as 
old as the first Sabbath morning — as old as the "sol- 
emn and binding obligation" that united the beating 
hearts of the first pair in the garden of Eden, when 
" angels were the witnesses, and God the priest." 

The patriarch Lot, surrounded by a vicious race who 
had corrupted the earth, seemed to be the only good 
man in that dense and abominable mass of wickedness 
to unfurl the banner on whose folds were written " Fi- 
delity," and the motto, " In God we trust." Daniel, 
and Jeremiah, and Job, with others, are examples 
which demonstrate the nature of those moral principles 



25 

that constitute Odd-Fellowship. As far back in the 
annals of the past as Cyrus, the Persian king, we can 
see traces of that spirit, which, superior to the contami- 
nating influences of selfishness, and lust, and pride, 
rises to the dignity of the man and the magnanimity 
of the philanthropist. Greece, too, had her Lycurgus, 
to hurl the shafts of his firmness and humanity against 
the miscreant demagogue, and to revolutionize the 
affairs of his waning country. And when Solon, like 
some appointed angel who can calm the storm and 
stay the thunders, set his foot on the code of Draco, 
his generation comparatively became " social and hu- 
mane;" and Cruelty for a time lost its "travelling- 
card," and Revenge had no " password." Thus we 
might follow the history of man from one age to another 
down to the present clay, and show that, in the darkest 
periods, what men most desire, "Light" — what they 
love, "Virtue" — what they ought to practise, "Be- 
nevolence" — what is most conducive to peace and hap- 
piness, " Truth" — have all had their warm advocates 
and supporters. But we have said enough on this 
subject. We must, however, in conclusion, repeat 
the following sentiment, which is (or should be) familiar 
to us all : " We are Odd-Fellows, and Odd-Fellows 
only, when we speak and act like honest men." If 
we practise the precepts of our Order, we must be 
good men ; and, whether we be ridiculed or com- 
mended, we shall ever have the consolation to know 
that we are preserving the best treasures of the past — 
goodness, fidelity, and friendship. Yet we must per- 
mit this "past" to repose upon its own merits. As in 
ordinary life, no man should entirely depend on the 
opinions and experience of his predecessors, so this 

3 



26 

Fraternity of ours (which, in a very important view, 
may be esteemed as fixed on what may be called a 
" one idea," or individual basis) should not found its 
importance and excellence on its ability to prove that 
it has existed for a longer period than circumstances, 
or proofs of the facts, sure and unequivocal, w T ill admit. 
In all conditions of life, and among all classes of men, 
honesty is invariably " the best policy." And Odd- 
Fellows, more than all other men, should be honest. 

But we have detained the reader quite " time enough" 
— and we shall therefore now endeavor to show the 
true origin of the Order of Odd-Fellows in America, 
and its tendency. This w T e shall do honestly and sin- 
cerely, and will tell only what is really the truth — 
truth which may be corroborated by testimony that 
must be regarded as invulnerable. 



CHAPTER II. 
ORIGIN OF THE ORDER IN AMERICA. 

The actual commencement of Odd-Fellowship in 
America was in 1806. This, we are aware, has been 
disputed by some who are interested in dating its ori- 
gin here at a later period ; but the facts are too clearly 
proven to admit of any successful controversy. It will 
appear from the following documents, for the genuine- 
ness of which we pledge our veracity as a faithful his- 
torian, that the first Lodge was opened in the old 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 27 

" Shakspere House," or tavern, in Fair street, now 
Fulton, No. 135, between Nassau street and Broad- 
way, New York, on the twenty-third of December, 
1806. The institution did not, however, prosper in 
the hands of the worthy and now venerable brethren 
who were then concerned in it. Doubtless, they ex- 
erted their utmost efforts to establish the I. O. of O. F. 
on a firm basis ; but the soil, at that day, was uncon- 
genial to its growth ; and the honor of its establishment 
in the New World was to fall upon other and success- 
ful pioneers. Yet the New York brethren are entitled 
to credit for their efforts in this cause ; and it should 
be remembered that their failure was the result of in- 
surmountable difficulties. We are indebted to P. G. 
Downing, of Columbia Lodge, No. 1, New York, for 
the following documents : — - 

" This is to certify that I, William E. Chambers, together 
with Solomon Chambers, John C. Chambers, William West- 
phall, and William Twaites, did meet together, in the fall of 
1 806, for the purpose of making inquiry and collecting together 
all Odd-Fellows, for the purpose of establishing a Lodge ; and, 
after advertising for several weeks, we found just enough to fill 
all offices, and the following are the names of the first five that 
met together : Solomon Chambers, John C. Chambers, William 
E. Chambers, William Westphall, and William Tw r aites, come- 
dian : and after we had collected the remainder, and in fact all 
we could, we then concluded to raise and form a Lodge, as three 
of us had passed the chair in the old country. We then made 
up our minds to establish a Lodge at the house of Thomas Hodg- 
kinson, known as the ' Shakspere Tavern,' in Fair street, now 
135 Fulton street, between Broadway and Nassau street, on the 
left hand from Broadway. This house was frequented by the- 
atrical gentlemen : therefore we gave it that name, and called 
it the « Shakspere Grand Lodge of Odd-Fellows ;' and, believ- 
ing that there was no other Lodge in the country, we set our 
shoulders to the wheel, and all, like good Odd-Fellows, went to 



28 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

work in making what we could toward it. So we persevered, 
completed our work, and had as handsome a Lodge-room as any 
in the city now. After that, we went to work and appointed our 
officers, in the following order : Solomon Chambers, M. N. G. ; 
John C. Chambers, V. G. ; William E. Chambers, R. H. S. to 
M. N. G. ; Richard Ford, L. H. S. to M. N. G. ; Benjamin 
Warry, R. H. S. to V. G. ; James Chesterman, L. H. S. to 
V. G. ; William Westphall, Warden; William Helass, Guar- 
dian ; and J. D. Myers, Secretary. Previous to J. D. Myers 
being a member, William Twaites acted as Secretary, and we 
initiated J. D. Myers, who was afterward our regular Secreta- 
ry ; then we initiated our worthy host, and considered our work 
done. 

" The night we opened our Lodge we received propositions 
for about fifteen members. This was good encouragement, and 
it caused us to labor cheerfully, and we continued our labors and 
improvements in such a manner, that, during the first quarter, 
we had over eighty good and faithful Odd-Fellows ; and the 
Lodge continued in a flourishing state for a long time at the 
above house, where myself and my brother and father all passed 
the chairs. After some time, the Lodge was removed to the 
' Trafalgar House,' in Gold street, kept by Brother Edgarly, as 
we had not sufficient room where it was first established. After 
that, it was removed to the ' Ring of Bells,' in CofFee-House 
slip, kept by Brother Spencer ; after which it was removed to 
Brother William Moore's, at the corner of Cedar and Temple 
streets, in consequence of the death of Brother Spencer. After 
that time it seemed to fail, and I believe that it was pretty 
much the last ; for, as I had to leave New York for the fron- 
tiers during the last war, I heard no more of it, and when I 
returned I could not trace it out, and so it slept for a time. But 
during my time we were applied to for a branch to go to Phila- 
delphia ; but whether it was granted, I can not tell. My father 
and brother and myself passed the chair during its continuance, 
and also Captain John Hewett and William Moore. 

"To all whom it may concern: The above document 
is a true statement of the first formation of the Order of Odd- 
Fellows in the city of New York, made by AVilliam E. Cham- 
bers, the only surviving founder in the city of New York of the 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 29 

• Shakspere Grand Lodge of Odd-Fellows,' instituted and opened 
the twenty-third of December, 1806. 

" William E. Chambers, 527 Greenwich St., N. Y." 

" This is to certify that I, John C. Chambers, was one of the 
founders of the first Lodge of Odd-Fellows, instituted and 
opened the twenty-third of December, 1806, at the house of 
Thomas Hodgkinson, known then as the ' Shakspere Tavern,' 
No. 17 Fair street, now called Fulton street, in the city of New 
York. And said Lodge was hailed and styled the ' Shakspere 
Grand Lodge of Odd-Fellows.' 

"John C. Chambers, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., 

" P. G. M. of the Loyal Independent Grand Lodge, 
"Westminster, England." 

"I hereby certify that 1 was made a member of the ' Shak- 
spere Grand Lodge,' held at the ' Shakspere Tavern,' in Fair 
street, now called Fulton street, in the year 1806 ; and that 
Solomon Chambers was Most Noble Grand, and John C. Cham- 
bers was Vice Grand. William E. Chambers was R. H. S. to 
M. N. G. 

"John R. Thomas, N. Y." 

" This is to certify that I was a member of the • Shakspere 
Grand Lodge of Odd-Fellows,' about the year 1807, held at 
4 Shakspere Tavern,' kept by Mr. Hodgkinson, in Fair street 
(now Fulton street). Mr. Solomon Chambers was Most Noble 
Grand, and Mr. John C. Chambers Vice Grand. 

" The only surviving members I now recollect are Mr. James 
Chesterman, Mr. John C. Chambers, and Mr. William E. 
Chambers. 

" William Dubois, No. 285 Broadway, N. Y." 

" This is to certify that I was a member of the ' Shakspere 
Grand Lodge of Odd-Fellows,' held at the ' Shakspere Tavern,' 
in Fair street, now Fulton street, in 1806, or thereabout ; with 
Mr. William E. and Mr. John C. Chambers, and their father, 
Solomon Chambers, who was M. N. G., and John was V. G. 
Mr. William Dubois, of Broadway, was a member. 

"James Chesterman, 710 Broadway, N. Y," 
3* 



30 

" Shortly after my return from New Orleans, in the early 
part of 1819, as near as my memory serves, I was proposed by 
Mr. Nexson (a school-teacher, and then acting as Secretary), 
and became a member of ' Shakspere Lodge, No. 1.' At 
this period it was generally conceded that the ' Shakspere' was 
the oldest (if not the only) Lodge in the United States. We 
held our meetings in the house corner of Cedar and Temple 
streets, occupied by Mr. William Moore, who had been a mem- 
ber of the theatrical profession. I remember well that at his 
house we elected as Treasurer the performer, Mr. Hopkins Rob- 
ertson, who died while holding that office, and by a unanimous 
vote of the Lodge the funds then in his possession reverted to 
his widow, who was in indigent circumstances. 

"About two years after, the Lodge was removed to the house 
occupied by Mr. Mahany, in Chatham near Spruce street, where 
we opened under the name of ' Franklin Lodge, No. 2.' It was 
in this Lodge that General George P. Morris, editor of the 
' Mirror,' passed the chairs. I was elected Secretary at this 
period, and continued in that situation for two years, during 
which time the Lodge was removed to Water street, near 
Beekman slip. I left the city soon after removing to this loca- 
tion, and know not what became of certain books and documents 
at that time under my control. I can not say who succeeded 
me as Secretary, but understood that they merged into the 
1 Columbia Lodge.' 

"As regards the antiquity of 'Shakspere Lodge, No. 1,' I 
never heard it questioned ; and I am assured there are members 
now living who can testify that it existed in this city fourteen 
years previous to my becoming a brother, in 1819, at which 
time it was revived under the old dispensation. 

"Manly B. Fowler, N. Y." 

In the year 1816, according to the testimony of 
Brother Charles Sherwood, of New York, who as- 
serts that his authority for the statement is undeniable, 
there were a few Odd-Fellows, all foreigners by birth, 
who met together in New York, and organized them- 
selves into a Lodge, which they called "Prince Re- 
gent's Lodge." This institution, also, from various 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 31 

causes, failed to establish and carry out the principles 
of the Order. Late in 1822, a charter was obtained 
from the Loyal Beneficent Duke of Sussex Lodge, 
No. 2, in Liverpool, England, and Columbia Lodge, 
No. 1, of the city of New York, which is still in suc- 
cessful operation, was regularly organized. 

There can be no doubt, however, that Wildey was 
the actual originator and founder of Odd-Fellowship, 
as it exists in America. He was accustomed to the 
enjoyment of the society of Odd-Fellows at home, and 
he felt naturally anxious for similar society here. 

Thomas Wildey was born in London, in the year 
1785, and is therefore now sixty-six years of age. In 
1806, at the age of twenty-one, he was initiated into 
" Independent Lodge," at Bath, England, in which he 
was subsequently raised three several times to the prin- 
cipal chair. In July, 1818, he embarked for America, 
and on the second of September of that year arrived at 
Baltimore, where he immediately commenced the busi- 
ness of coachspring-making, which he had learned with 
his father. On landing, he was desirous to visit a 
Lodge, and was much astonished on being informed by 
a brother of the Order whom he met — John Welch, 
also a foreigner — that there was no Lodge in Balti- 
more. Wildey and Welch, however, determined to 
ascertain if there were no Odd-Fellows in the city, and 
they accordingly gave public notice, calling for mem- 
bers of the I. O. O. F. The result was the meeting 
of five, and the subsequent formation of a Lodge. To 
Henry M. Jackson, the first N. G. of Franklin Lodge 
(the second Lodge instituted), and John Boyd and 
John Crowder, Mr. Wildey was much indebted for 
assistance in the infancy of the Order. 



32 

The following thoughts, in connection with the his- 
tory of this matter, have been furnished us by a brother 
who has been long a valuable member of the Frater- 
nity : — 

" In the year 1819, two worthy brothers of the Order 
of Odd-Fellows by chance met in the city of Baltimore. 
They were foreigners by birth, and had left their na- 
tive land to seek an asylum in this country. It would 
appear that they were not strangers to each other in 
their mother-country, or, if they were, they at once 
recognised one another as having been co-workers in 
the great cause of humanity in the land of their birth ; 
and, as they were often together, their conversation was 
naturally directed to the subject of the Order : they 
had known and enjoyed its kindly principles at home, 
and it was with deep and bitter regret that an institu- 
tion so kindly in its principles, and so congenial to the 
government and country they had adopted, had not 
found its way across the ocean. 

" Many were the schemes they devised to ascertain 
what number of Odd-Fellows, if any, could be found 
on the western continent, for it does not appear they 
had any knowledge at this time of the previous estab- 
lishment of the Order in New York. After many vain 
and fruitless efforts, they accidentally hit upon the plan 
of giving public notice through the newspapers of the 
day, calling a meeting of such of the Order as should 
have come to this country from the Old World, and 
designating the time and place of meeting. The long- 
looked-for day and hour at length arrived, and with 
trembling and anxious hearts they assembled at the 
place of meeting — and behold! three besides them- 
selves, out of the vast population of the United States, 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 33 

assembled at the call of their brethren, and made them- 
selves known. These five humble individuals met, 
not as strangers to each other in a distant land, but as 
brothers whose hearts and souls were united in the 
bonds of Odd-Fellowship. Although they were stran- 
gers to one another in the general acceptation of the 
term, yet as Odd-Fellows they were brothers, and re- 
garded and esteemed each other as old and long-tried 
friends, because they knew the most implicit confi- 
dence could be reposed in one another, and that it mat- 
tered not what language they spoke, or what country 
or clime gave them birth : they met as friends, and were 
bound together in the ties of friendship. 

" No motive but the purest brotherly love had called 
them together ; nothing but the pure spirit of benevo- 
lence, and a desire to advance and improve the condi- 
tion of man, actuated them to assemble on that occa- 
sion ; no motives of gain, no allurements to wealth or 
power, no high-sounding titles of distinction, brought 
them together : they were men without any particular 
influence — with no pecuniary means, except such as 
was necessary for their comfort and temporal happi- 
ness in the humbler walks of life. They, however, 
firmly resolved to surmount all obstacles, and, if pos- 
sible, to plant the seed of Odd-Fellowship in the soil 
of Freedom ; firmly believing that, if properly nour- 
ished and watered, it would speedily take deep root, 
and that its branches would extend far and wide, until 
the inhabitants of the whole western continent could 
repose under its shade, and receive nourishment from 
its fruits. 

" They accordingly applied to England, and after 
much anxiety and delay procured a charter, and this 



34 

Lodge they called ' Washington Lodge.' They had 
no sooner obtained a charter and organized the institu- 
tion, than prejudice and superstition started up on all 
sides, and proclaimed the most unblushing slanders 
against all secret societies, and that this poor Lodge of 
Odd-Fellows was the very nucleus of all immorality 
and infidelity. And it no doubt appears marvellous 
that this small band of brothers had the courage and 
firmness of purpose to sustain themselves under such 
trials and persecutions, and with so great a weight of 
public opinion pressing upon them. 

"But these persecutions were no doubt intended 
for wise and good purposes; for, no sooner had the 
slanders of the day been circulated, than people were 
led to inquire into the objects of the Order, and who- 
ever learned its friendly precepts and benevolent pur- 
poses, solicited to become members in the cause of 
humanity, and, if found worthy, were received as broth- 
ers. These persecutions, no doubt, had a tendency 
also to chasten their conduct, and to actuate them to 
walk uprightly before God and man ; they being con- 
scious that, without the strictest moral conduct, the 
world would draw the inference, and perhaps with rea- 
son, that their purposes were evil rather than good : 
and the consequence was that ' Washington Lodge' 
soon had its scores of followers, and ultimately became 
the centre from which emanated the purest moral pre- 
cepts, cheering and dispensing their kindly influences 
in every direction ; and from this once feeble band 
were soon established in the city of Baltimore a num- 
ber of Lodges, composed of a portion of the most 
wealthy and most intelligent inhabitants of that city. 
By this time the light of benevolence and brotherly 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 35 

love had been kindled in ' Columbia Lodge,' and their 
joint influences had fanned it into a flame, extending 
far beyond the bounds of the states in which these 
Lodges were established, and one state succeeded after 
another, until there are now Lodges established in 
every state of the Union. 

"What a pleasing reflection, to behold such unpar- 
alleled success in so short a period of time ! What 
a mighty host we now number ! Contemplate the 
charities and blessings we are daily dispensing to the 
widow and the orphan ; how many thousands at this 
moment are receiving the benefits of Odd-Fellowship's 
open-handed charities, and praying for its continued 
success !" 

But, to proceed to the origin of Odd-Fellowship in 
the United States, and to a correct statement of the 
commencement of the Order here, we observe that 
Washington Lodge, No. 1, was instituted by the five 
persons assembled at Wildey's suggestion. It was 
organized at the house of William Lupton, sign of 
the " Seven Stars," Second street, Baltimore, on the 
twenty-sixth of April, 1819, by Thomas Wildey, John 
Welch, John Duncan, John Cheathem, and Richard 
Rushworth. The two first-named were elected N. G. 
and V. G. of the Lodge ; and it was at first intended 
that the new Lodge should " work" according to the 
usages of the Union, or London Order, and operate 
on the ancient method of self-institution, or indepen- 
dency of any " higher-law" power. " The archives," 
says P. G. Sire Kennedy, "do not furnish the exact 
period at which this design was abandoned ; but there 
is evidence that it was in the first month of the exist- 
ence of the Lodge. The work being thus changed to 



36 

that of the ' Independent Order,' it became necessary 
to be possessed of a dispensation from competent au- 
thority, as required under that organization. As early 
as June, 1819, a series of efforts was commenced to 
that end, directed toward various points, as one after 
another indicated failure. The ' Abercrombie Grand 
Lodge, of Manchester' (the head of one of the divis- 
ions of the Order which were at that time in active 
contest for supremacy in Odd-Fellowship), which was 
merged into the ' Manchester Unity' in 1826, respond- 
ed ; and on the seventh of January, 1820, issued a 
dispensation — which, however, it is believed, never 
reached its destination." But through the instrumen- 
tality of P. G. John Crowder, who visited Baltimore 
from Preston, England, during the latter part of 1819, 
the Duke of York's Lodge, Preston, Manchester Unity, 
by virtue of powers indisputable, granted and forwarded 
the following dispensation : — 

"NO. WASHINGTON LODGE. 1. 
" Pluribus Unum. 

" The Grand Lodge of Maryland, and of the United States 
of America, of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellowship. 

" To all whom it may concern : This Warrant or Dispensa- 
tion is a free gift from the Duke of York's Lodge, of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd-Fellowship, holden at Preston, in the 
county of Lancaster, in Old England, to a number of Brothers 
residing in the city of Baltimore, to establish a Lodge at the 
house of Brother Thomas Woodward, in South-Frederick street, 
in the said city : hailed by the title of « No. 1, Washington 
Lodge, the Grand Lodge of Maryland and of the United States 
of America.' That the said Lodge, being the first established 
in the United States, hath power to grant a Warrant or Dis- 
pensation to a number of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellow- 
ship into any State of the Union, for the encouragement and 
support of Brothers of the said Order on travel or otherwise. 



37 

" And be it further observed, that the said Lodge be not 
removed from the house of Brother Thomas Woodward, so long 
as five Brothers are agreeable to hold the same. 

" In testimony hereof, we have subjoined our names, and 
affixed the seal of our Lodge, this the first day of February, 
one thousand eight hundred and twenty : — 

"James Mandsley, G. M. 

John Cottam, N. G. 

Geo. Nailor, V. G. 

John Eccles, Sec'y. 

John Crowder, P. G. 

Saml. Pemberton, P. G. 

John Walmsley, P. G. 

W. Topping, P. G. 

Geo. Ward, P. G. 

George Bell, P. G." 

This instrument was received on the twenty-third 
of October, 1820, and was formally accepted. It con- 
tinued to be the warrant of authority under which the 
Lodge worked, until, by a unanimous vote, it was sur- 
rendered into the hands of the Past Grands, and the 
Lodge received a dispensation from the Grand Lodge 
in its stead. " The success of the Order," says P. G. 
Sire Kennedy, " may with propriety be dated from 
this event, as concentrated and more enlightened ac- 
tion was the primary result." From that time (Feb- 
ruary 22, 1821) the Grand Lodge of the United States* 
has been the head of the Order in America. A dis- 
pensation, or charter, was granted to the Grand Lodge 
of the United States, May 15, 1826, by the Grand 
Annual Movable Committee (the head of the Order in 
Great Britain), confirmatory of the dispensation granted 

* In 1821, and until the separate organization of the Grand 
Lodge of Maryland (November 22, 1824), called " The Grand 
Lodge of Maryland and of the United Slates." 
4 



a» THE ODD-FELLOWS TEXT-BOOK. 

by the Duke of York's Lodge, and authorizing the said 
Grand Lodge to conduct the business of Odd-Fellow- 
ship in America, without the interference of any other 
country. 

In consequence of important changes in the work 
of the Order by the English brethren, made without 
the advice or consent of the Grand Lodge of the Uni- 
ted States, and in defiance of its frequent remonstrance, 
a separation between the Order in Great Britain and 
America was decided upon by the Grand Lodge of the 
United States, at the session, of that body in 1842. 
Previously, however, to this decision, the Grand Lodge 
had in vain exerted every effort to induce the Man- 
chester Unity of Odd-Fellows to restore the ancient 
language of the Order.* We are happy to say, how- 
ever, that, although the form used by these two bodies 
is slightly diverse, they are united in principle; and 
that the objects they have in view, and the good they 
accomplish, are the mainspring of their motive and 
action. 

In concluding this part of our subject — the History 
of Odd-Fellowship — we shall explain the "motive 
and action" of the Order, by exhibiting its practices 
and principles. f 

* For the history of this matter (which is too lengthy for this 
work), we refer the reader to the Journal of Proceedings of the 
Grand Lodge of the United States — a new edition of which has 
been lately authorized — pages 389-433. 

f We have borrowed on this subject a portion of an eloquent 
Address, by Rev. J. D. M'Cabe, delivered before Hawkins 
Lodge, No. 41, at Rogersville, Tennessee, July 4, 1849, at the 
*' laying of the corner-stone of the Odd-Fellows' Female Insti- 
tute," of that place. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 39 



CHAPTER III. 

THE PRINCIPLES AND TENDENCY OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 

Odd-Fellowship is an institution formed by good 
men for the advancement of the principles of benevo- 
lence and truth. The foundation of the superstruc- 
ture is laid in the acknowledgment of universal frater- 
nity — that man is bound to sympathize with, to aid 
and protect his brother-man : upon this foundation is 
erected a system of practical benevolence, that sends 
its influence through all society ; and that this may not 
degenerate into an indiscriminate system of alms-giving, 
which converts the earnings of honest industry into a 
reward for pauperism and idleness, it has established 
certain checks and balances, by which its active good- 
ness is restrained within proper limits. Its first duty 
is to its own household, but its influence is felt beyond ; 
uniting good men in the practice of acknowledged du- 
ties, requiring no surrender of religious or political 
creed, leaving speculation for practice, it has gone 
forth among the homes of men like some missioned 
spirit of good, with its words of kindness, its deeds of 
comfort; wherever it has moved, it was for the healing 
of disease, the alleviation of pain : the tear of sorrow 
has been wiped away, and the face of anguish illumined 
with a smile : " it has no marble altar, no wreathed 
statue, no offerings of incense ; but hearts of affection 
build up its shrine ; the widow and the orphan are its 



40 

living monuments, and gratitude pours out for it a free 
libation." Uniting men under the influence of the so- 
cial principle, Odd-Fellowship demands the practice 
of benevolence and charity ; and in order to impress 
these duties upon the mind, and furnish incentives to 
action in those moments of relaxation to which all men 
are subject, it has instituted solemn ceremonies, or- 
dained frequent meetings, and formed a language of 
signs — all designed to produce a habit of benevolence, 
and, by educating the moral faculties, promote the 
well-being of society. The principles emblazoned 
upon our banners, and inscribed upon our altars, are 
Friendship, Love, and Truth, and it is the constant 
and unvarying inculcation of these principles that 
causes Odd-Fellowship to be strictly practical. We 
are associated to preserve no striking and beautiful 
traditions — to teach no original truth — to enunciate 
no occult mysteries. We receive with reverence the 
teachings of God's Holy Word, which tells us that we 
are the children of one common Father — brethren of 
one family — fellow-travellers through the same dark 
world of sin, alike needing the sympathy and support 
of our fellow-men ; that we are bound, as stewards of 
God, to use wisely the things which have been com- 
mitted to us in trust, for the advancement of the gen- 
eral good. It is true that the means of our Society do 
not enable us to relieve all the wants of all men, but 
they do enable us to mitigate the sufferings of many. 
The relfef is, in the first place, justly restricted to the 
members of the Order and their families ; but, these 
demands answered, relief is extended to others as far 
as we possess the ability. The pecuniary contribu- 
tions of the members, which consist in small weekly 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 41 

sums, constitute a fund for the exclusive purpose of 
relieving the sick, burying the dead, educating the 
orphan, and protecting and assisting the widow. In 
this respect our Order is a vast mutual-aid society, 
" differing from all others in the perfection of its or- 
ganization, the universality of its extent, and the mo- 
tives presented for action in high and benevolent 
teachings, which lead from specific and enforced da- 
ties to the voluntary performance of the noblest deeds 
of charity." While, therefore, our Order, in its or- 
ganization and development, is founded upon eternal 
principles, it only gives direction to known and admit- 
ted truth, and enforces the duties it teaches by disci- 
pline. It is formed for action, and he who will not 
work is not permitted to remain a drone in the busy 
hive. 

From this very general view, we may pass to a con- 
sideration of some of the specific benefits of the insti- 
tution secured to each and every member by the stipu- 
lations of covenant agreement : — 

1. If a member of the Order is unable to attend to 
his ordinary avocation, from sickness or providential 
disability, he is paid every week, during the continu- 
ance of such disability, a sum varying from three to 
ten dollars. He is visited by the officers and mem- 
bers of his Lodge, and proper attendants furnished to 
watch by his sick-bed and attend to his wants. 

2. In case of death, he is decently buried at the 
expense of the Order; his remains are followed to 
" the house appointed for all the living," and the dust 
is smoothed on his grave by the hand of sorrowing 
Friendship. 

3. The duties of Odd-Fellowship end not here. 

4# 



42 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

The chain of earthly fellowship may be broken, but 
some of its severed links remain, in the persons of the 
stricken widow and the helpless orphan : Odd-Fellow- 
ship repairs to the desolate home ; re-fills the cruse of 
oil, and replenishes the empty barrel ; over the night 
of desolate widowhood it watches with sympathizing 
care, and comforts the stricken-hearted mother with 
assurance that her fatherless children will be protected 
and educated. 

Pause for one moment to examine the strong argu- 
ment furnished in favor of our Order by this view of 
its character. The young man in business far from 
home — the man of family, who earns his bread by the 
sweat of his brow — can, when in health, easily spare 
four or five dollars annually, and thus secure such aid 
and attention during sickness as could be obtained by 
no other pecuniary expense. Especially does the man 
of family reap an advantage in a pecuniary point of 
view which no other investment of the same amount of 
funds could yield. The merchant, the man of busi- 
ness, visiting our northern or southern cities, may be 
taken sick : and who that has ever been sick, a stranger 
in one of the large hotels, knows not the neglect with 
which persons under such circumstances are treated? 
They may have abundant means to procure the atten- 
tion of hirelings, but they can not purchase kindness 
and sympathy. The possession of an Odd-Fellow's 
card will secure all this ; for its presentation to the 
Lodge is an assurance of fraternal attention. These, 
we may say, are the common duties of humanity, ac- 
knowledged by all men, and needing no societies to 
enforce them. We grant that they are the duties of 
common humanity, but are they performed ? 



THE ODD-FELLOWS ? TEXT-BOOK. 43 

We have no idea of the amount of suffering endured 
by virtuous poverty, when the supplies procured by 
industry are cut off by sickness ; when the strong man 
is prostrated, and lies stricken and helpless, knowing 
that loved ones are in want ; when no friendly footstep 
crosses the threshold of the obscure home to which he 
has fled to conceal from a heartless world the bitterness 
of his poverty. Oh ! the agony of the hot tears that 
blister his fevered cheek as he nightly kisses the parched 
lips and looks upon the famine-pinched faces of his 
children, as they go supperless to their bed of straw ! 
Who can tell the anguish of his heart, when the wife 
of his bosom bends over him, with her pale, earnest 
face, and, as she wipes the fever-drops from his brow, 
with the sublime energy of woman's endurance, whis- 
pers resignation, hope ! Alas ! what has he to hope 
for his loved ones, if God in his providence should 
call him away ? Nothing ! That wife will be a broken- 
hearted widow, struggling single-handed against pov- 
erty, exposed to the insults of a heartless world ; those 
children will be reared in ignorance, it may be for a 
life of shame — a death of disgrace. But how different 
would be the condition of such a person, if, in the days 
of his health and strength, he had become a member 
of our noble Order ! A competency would have smiled 
around his hearthstone ; sympathizing friends would 
have watched around his sick-bed ; and he would 
close his eyes in death w T ith the sweet assurance that 
his family was left in the care of brothers, whose con- 
stant duty it is to " protect the widow and educate the 
orphan." 

We could give numerous instances of the advan- 
tages secured to individuals who, when they entered 



44 

the Order, did not dream of ever needing its benefits. 
The advantages of this association are further seen in 
the fact that it brings together men of the most dis- 
cordant opinions, and unites them in the bonds of 
brotherly love — affording by its frequent meetings so- 
cial intercourse, free from the contaminating influence 
of vice. It promotes the morals of community, by re- 
straining its members from all intemperance and other 
illegal practices, under penalty of expulsion, and the 
publication of their names in connection with the offence 
for which discipline is executed throughout the limits 
of the Order. It is calculated to make men social and 
humane, by bringing them frequently together to de- 
vise means and measures for the relief of their dis- 
tressed fellow-creatures ; thus breaking down the bar- 
riers erected by sect and party, and uniting men as 
citizens of one country, "the world" — members of 
one family, " the human race !" 

It is sometimes urged that the institution comes in 
contact with the claims of the church, and creates con- 
flicting duties. The Order of Odd-Fellows is com- 
posed of Christians of every denomination ; they all 
acknowledge individually the authority of the church, 
and in the most perfect obedience they unite to do pre- 
cisely what the teachings of the church command to 
be done. Singly they could not effect as much good 
as when united. Precisely the same objection may 
with equal propriety be made against all voluntary as- 
sociations. The fact is, the church makes no specific 
provision, in any of its branches, for the performance 
of the duties in which Odd-Fellowship engages ; it 
does not, in any one of the sects or denominations, 
make provision for their discharge. Where has it 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 45 

made provision for the sick members of its commu- 
nion, furnishing watchers by their beds every night for 
months — -supplying them with money to procure the 
necessaries and often the delicacies of life? What 
provision has it made for the support of the widow — 
the education of the orphan ? What provision has it 
made to take care of the sick stranger, and in death to 
give him decent burial? Where are these provisions ? 
No such provision exists ; there is no systematic plan 
in the church enforced upon its members by discipline. 
All the conflict our Order can have with the church is 
to reprove its apathy. It may be made an instrument 
to provoke the church to activity, by showing what a 
mere human society can do, with " her usages of old" — 
her bonds of love, her deeds of self-denial, her require- 
ments of discipline — in those days when her children 
showed their faith by their works of mercy and love. 
Odd-Fellowship wields the old means; the church 
refuses to use them. And is this wrong? Shall all 
these deeds be left undone, because a few will murmur 
at the expenditure, and sell the precious ointment to 
increase their own gains ? Is it right, is it proper, to 
feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to visit the sick ? 
is it right to bury the dead, protect the widow, and 
educate the orphan ? Who will say it is wrong to do 
these things ? What is Odd-Fellowship, but associated 
action in the performance of these duties? 

What has converted the howling wilderness into a 
home for talent and refinement, broken up the lair of 
the red man, and enthroned hospitality where all was 
wildness and barbarism? What has waked up the 
song of the laborer, the click of the artisan's hammer, 
the hum of the thrifty multitude, the creations of taste 



46 



and refinement? Associated action! the same kind 
of power that, forty centuries ago, upheaved the giant 
pyramids that survive the ruins of desolation, as the 
hoary connection between the past and the present, 
" like monuments over unknown graves, heralding the 
glory, though their worn inscriptions tell not the names, 
of those who sleep at their base." From the active 
virtue and sweet charities of the domestic circle to the 
integrity and stability of the mightiest nation upon 
earth, this principle of associated action is seen at work. 
It is a principle of power and of might : direct it we 
may, destroy it we can not. Like steam, if confined 
in iron bonds, it will burst its fetters, and scatter 
death and destruction around ; and yet, like the well- 
broke horse, it may be harnessed and driven in safety. 
Men will associate. If their association be not turned 
to the melioration of human wo — to plans for the 
moral and social elevation of mankind — it will be 
seized upon by the factious and the discontented, the 
licentious and the vile, as a potent engine to overturn 
the social and religious institutions which now serve 
to check their excesses. Will men, under the influ- 
ence of the social principle, seek the bar-room- — the 
gaming-house ? Give them some other attractive place 
of assembly, where virtuous thoughts and moral habits 
will become chosen themes and preferred practices. 
Will they unite in secret clubs, to agitate treason, and 
seek to unsettle government and society with their vain 
discontents and Utopian schemes of social equality? 
Unite them by the charm of secrecy, to perform works 
of mercy and benevolence. God has sanctioned this 
principle of association in the institution of his holy 
church. Elevated above the discords of earth, unin- 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 47 

fluenced by the changeful policy of time, it is to con- 
stitute one vast association designed to concentrate the 
action of its myriad members into the effective unity 
of one catholic body. When this perfection is attained, 
minor associations will not be needed. 

Such is a brief view of the practice, and principles, 
and tendencies, of Odd-Fellowship. That there will 
be opposition, is to be expected ; for what that is lovely 
or of good report has ever escaped the sneer and the 
scowl of the gloomy Pharisee, who, while he tithes 
anise, mint, and cumin, neglects the weightier matters 
of the law, making it void through his traditions ? But 
our principles may be tried by their fruits ; and who 
can rise up and say these fruits are evil, or that asso- 
ciated action, by which all the achievements of the 
age have been wrought, is wrong? Like "the still 
small voice" upon the ear of the prophet, when the 
wind, and the fire, and the earthquake, had passed, 
Odd-Fellowship, the noiseless spirit of benevolence 
and love, has trained its children to follow in the path 
of desolation and affliction, whispering peace, and bind- 
ing in the golden bonds of Friendship, Love, and 
Truth, the sheaves left standing in the fields over 
which Death and Sorrow, the great reapers, have 
passed. 

Look over the field of our appropriate labor for the 
evidence of these works. See yon stricken widow, 
bowed down and sorrowful ; the hope of her heart is 
quenched. But there is a change : an arm of affec- 
tion is cast around her — a hand of love has wiped 
away her tears. That arm was our Order's arm ; that 
hand an Odd-Fellow's. See yon orphan, with no 
earthly parent to watch over him, no mother to caress 



48 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

and wipe away his burning tears, no shelter for his 
defenceless head. Look ! an arm is cast around him, 
he is sheltered and cared for, his darkness is gone, his 
mind and his heart are cultivated, and his glistening 
eye tells of gratitude and love. The spirit of Odd- 
Fellowship has been there ! 

The true Odd-Fellow ! he is out in the field, gather- 
ing the ready harvest; in the workshop, laying his 
strong hand to the anvil, the loom, and the forge ; in 
the counting-house, employed in the pursuits of pro- 
fessional labor. He is at home, fulfilling the duties of 
parent, husband ; gladdening the hearth and the board 
by the virtues of the social spirit. He is by the bed 
of sickness, wiping the moist brow and cooling the 
parched lip ; he is in sorrowful places, ministering to 
poverty, comforting affliction, and relieving distress. 
He is upon the field of his country's fame and glory, 
where rank after rank goes down in the shock of bright 
blades, and before the volleying death-shot — with 
dauntless heart and eagle-eye battling for freedom ! 

Brethren, let us go on, unfurling the white banner 
of our Order — giving it proudly to the breeze, till its 
triumphant folds intertwine, and become blended with 
the stars and stripes of the freeman's hope and home ; 
till Oppression break his sceptre, War lie crushed 
on his harness ; " till man is bound in brotherhood to 
man — till tears are changed to smiles, and groans to 
benedictions !" 



49 



THE ORGANIZATION OF ODD-FEL- 
LOWSHIP. 

The Order of Odd-Fellowship consists of two seve- 
ral branches, viz. : Lodges and Encampments. The 
Lodges comprise six, and the Encampments three De- 
grees. These, with the exception of Degrees obtained 
through official service, embrace the entire work of the 
Order, the Royal-Purple Degree, of the Encampment, 
being the highest and last. The cost of attaining 
these nine Degrees varies in different localities ; but 
usually it does not exceed forty, and in some states it 
is less than thirty dollars. The qualifications re- 
quired are that the candidate must be a free white 
man, not under twenty-one, nor over sixty years of 
age, of good moral character and sound health, and a 
believer in the Supreme Being, the maker and ruler of 
the universe. 

All Lodges and Encampments are, directly or indi- 
rectly, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of 
the United States ; which body meets annually on the 
third Monday of September, and specially, if neces- 
sary, at the call of the Grand-Sire. It is the supreme 
head of the Order in the United States, and is the 
source of all true and legitimate authority in Odd-Fel- 
lowship therein. It consists 01 Representatives, elected 

5 



00 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 

from each local or State Grand Lodge and Grand 
Encampment ; one for any number of members under 
one thousand, within the jurisdiction of said local 
bodies, and an additional one for any number compri- 
sing and exceeding one thousand ;* and of Past Grand- 
Sires, f Its elective officers consist of a Grand-Sire, 



* The government of the Order in Great Britain is consti- 
tuted in the following manner: — The entire body of the Inde- 
pendent Order in the kingdom is known and distinguished by 
the title of " The Manchester Unity, of the Independent Order 
of Odd-Fellows," so called from its organization and concentra- 
tion of power in the city of Manchester : — " The Grand Annu- 
al Movable Committee," consisting of Representatives from 
districts in the ratio of one for every thousand members, is the 
sovereign depository of the power of the Order, not only in re- 
lation to the work, but also in reference to the entire detail of 
government, descending even to all the rules and regulations of 
subordinate Lodges, and leaving with them the isolated power 
of making By-Laws not inconsistent w r ith the enactments of the 
Grand A. M. C. This body is constitutionally movable in its 
character and absolute in its powers. It assembles annually, 
on Whitsun-week, which is in England a period of universal 
holyday, at which time a Grand-Master and Board of Directors 
are elected ; all of whom must be residents of the city of Man- 
chester. This Board exercises during the recess a supervisory 
jurisdiction over all the affairs of the Order : it usually ex- 
pounds the laws ; responds to all applications for instruction or 
advice ; and heretofore was an integral part of a standing com- 
mittee for the determination of all questions of grievance subject 
to the final action of the Grand A. M. C. The propriety of a 
change of this government, we are informed, is under advisement. 

f At the session held in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept., 1850, the 
following amendment to the Constitution of the Grand Lodge 
of the United States was adopted : — "Past Grand-Sires shall 
be admitted to seats in this GrandLodge, with the power of 
debating, and making motions, but shall not have the privilege 
of voting, unless they be Representatives." 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 51 

a Deputy Grand-Sire, a Recording and a Correspond- 
ing Secretary, and a Treasurer, who are elected bien- 
nially, by the Representatives. The appointed officers 
consist of a Marshal, a Chaplain, and a Guardian. It 
transacts its business in secret; but any brother who 
shall have attained to the Royal-Purple Degree, and 
who is in " good standing," may, by its permission 
being first obtained, by vote, be admitted to its meet- 
ings. 

The State Grand Lodges and Grand Encampments 
are the heads of the Order in the localities where they 
are severally established. Three or more subordinate 
Lodges or Encampments — having been previously 
instituted by the Grand Lodge of the United States, 
and which are under its jurisdiction* — located in any 
State, District, or Territory, wherein reside seven Past 
Grands, or seven Past Chief-Patriarchs, in good stand- 
ing, may petition for and obtain from the Grand Lodge 
of the United States a Charter for a Grand Lodge, or 
for a Grand Encampment. These consist of Repre- 
sentatives from the Lodges or Encampments, which 
usually comprise all the Past Grands, or the Past 

* Upon the petition of five brothers of the Order, in good 
standing, praying for a Charter to open a subordinate Lodge, or 
of seven patriarchs for one to open a subordinate Encampment, 
in a State, District, or Territory, where a Grand Lodge or 
Grand Encampment has not been established, the Grand Lodge 
of the United States will grant the same. Such Lodge or En- 
campment will be organized by a Past Grand, or a Past Chief- 
Patriarch, by authority from the Grand-Sire. Such petition, 
accompanied by the Charter-fee (thirty dollars), must be for- 
warded to the Grand-Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the 
United States, at Baltimore, Md. The form of the petition is 
similar to that submitted to a State Grand Lodge. (See p. 55.) 



52 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

Chief- Patriarchs — and sometimes the Past High- 
Priests — of the subordinates. Their chief officer is 
a Grand-Master, or a Grand-Patriarch, who is elected 
annually by the Past Grands, or by the Past Chief- 
Patriarchs. The State Grand Lodges and Grand En- 
campments have power to grant and revoke Charters 
for subordinates in their several jurisdictions, and to 
make such laws as may appertain to the Order in their 
localities. No person, except a Past Grand, or a Past 
Chief-Patriarch, is permitted to visit the Grand Bodies. 
Past Grands are of the Grand Lodges ; Past Chief- 
Patriarchs and Past High-Priests of the Grand En- 
campments : these bodies are entirely separate and dis- 
tinct from each other. 

The subordinate Lodges consist of what may be ap- 
propriately called " The People :" from these, in a 
true and legitimate sense, proceed Encampments, 
Grand Lodges, Grand Encampments, and, finally, the 
" supreme head of the Order." They comprise a va- 
riety of minds ; but we may confidently say, they are 
of one heart. The chief officer of a subordinate 
Lodge is called a Noble-Grand ; he is elected semi- 
annually ; he has the control of the members and 
business of the Lodge. Other officers are elected and 
appointed to support and assist him in his duties. We 
have previously stated what qualifications are neces- 
sary to entitle a gentleman to membership. The man- 
ner of introducing candidates is as follows : — A 
brother of the Lodge proposes his friend, whom he 
must be willing to recommend. On the reception of 
the proposition, a committee is at once appointed, 
whose business it is to ascertain the character, age, 
condition of health, and standing of the applicant. If 



53 

this committee, after due investigation, report that they 
believe him worthy, he is, on the week following such 
report, "balloted for;" and if three blackballs appear 
against him, he is rejected — if not, he is elected.* He 
may then be initiated to membership in the Lodge. 
After a certain time (which varies in different states), 
usually a month, he is entitled to receive the first three 
Degrees ; and after a certain other additional season, 
the last two; these Degrees are granted by a vote of 
the Lodge, and conferred by a person appointed or 
authorized for the purpose. 

The Encampments consist of brothers who belong 
to the Lodges, and who must have attained to the fifth, 
or Scarlet Degree. No person can be admitted to 
membership in an Encampment, unless he be a Scar- 
let-Degree member, in good standing. Encampments 
comprise three Degrees, which are considered by 
many the sublimest of Odd-Fellowship. Their prin- 
cipal officers consist of a Chief-Patriarch and a High- 
Priest ; whose duties are to preside over, and perform 
the work of, the Encampment. No brother of the 
Order should be content with his advancement to the 
Scarlet, or final Degree of his Lodge ; he should pro- 
ceed through the Encampment to the last, or Royal- 
Purple Degree. Such elevation will entitle him to 
privileges and advantages of much value. f 

* The reader will observe a repetition of this on page 57. 
A full explanation of the introduction of members, and other 
matters connected with the government of a subordinate Lodge, 
will be found under the head, " The Subordinate Lodge," p. 55. 

f We have given in the foregoing a mere outline of the va- 
rious branches of the Order. Elsewhere in this Book we fur- 
nish a full explanation of those several bodies under their ap- 
propriate titles. 

5* 



54 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 



A WORD TO THE NEOPHYTE. 

It may be considered an important period of life 
in which a man enters a Lodge of Odd-Fellows. 
The duties there taught him, and the lessons incul- 
cated throughout the progress he may make in the 
Order, will tend, if he be true to his nature, to his 
moral and intellectual advancement, and consequently 
to his happiness. He should therefore prepare his 
mind for the task he has undertaken, and determine to 
be attentive to the instructious he is about to receive. 
He will find in these instructions the voice of Wis- 
dom and Truth ; and he will see that whoever shall 
heed and obey them must be respected by the wise 
and virtuous. They teach him his duty to his God, 
his country, his neighbor, his family, and himself; 
they show him how he may live in the enjoyment of a 
peaceful, contented mind — which is the highest wealth 
a mortal need desire ; they demonstrate to him that 
" vice is a monster of such frightful mien," that it 
should be shunned and hated ; they persuade him that 
there is in Fraternal Union and Love the truest, sub- 
limest pleasure ; they lead him to obedience of the 
commands of his Divine Maker, in which he can not 
fail to be blessed in life, death, and eternity. 



55 



THE SUBORDINATE LODGE. 

A Lodge must be constituted by at least five mem- 
bers, including one qualified to preside at its meetings ; 
the qualifications necessary being that such presiding 
officer must have been instructed in the five Degrees. 
The Vice-Grand, Secretary, Treasurer, and Guardian, 
should also have received the five Degrees. Any num- 
ber of brothers not less than five, holding clearance 
or withdrawal cards, from the Lodge or Lodges to 
which they were previously attached, may apply to 
the Grand Lodge of a State (or in case there is no 
Grand Lodge in the State, District, or Territory, in 
which they reside, to the Grand Lodge of the United 
States) for a Charter to open a Lodge, in the following 
words : — 

" The petition of the undersigned, holding withdrawal-cards 
from Lodges legally recognised by your Right "Worthy Body, 
respectfully represents, that it would be consistent with the ad- 
vantage of the Order to establish a Lodge, to be located at 
blank. Wherefore, your petitioners pray, that a Charter (or 
Warrant) may duly issue in pursuance of the laws of your 
It. W. Body." 

This, accompanied by the Charter-fee (usually thirty 
dollars), must be sent to the Grand-Secretary, who 
will lay it before the Grand Lodge, which will author- 
ize a Charter in the following form : — 



56 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 



INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS. 

" To all whom it mat concern: — The Grand Lodge of 
the State of blank, by authority of a Grand Charter, granted 
to them from the Grand Lodge of the United States, held in 
the City of Baltimore, State of Maryland, doth hereby grant 
this Warrant or Dispensation, to a number of brothers of the 
Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, residing in the State of 
blank, to establish a Lodge at the city of blank, to be hailed by 
the title of blank, for the encouragement and support of brothers 
of the said Order, when on travel or otherwise. And the said 
Lodge, being duly formed, is hereby authorized and empow- 
ered to initiate into the mysteries of the said Order any person 
or persons duly proposed and approved, according to the laws 
of Odd-Fellowship, and to administer to true brothers all the 
privileges and benefits arising therefrom ; and to enact By- 
Laws for the government of their Lodge : Provided always, 
that said Lodge do act according to the Order, and in conjunc- 
tion with, and obedience to, the Grand Lodge, adhering to and 
supporting the articles and charges delivered with this Dispen- 
sation ; in default whereof, this Warrant or Dispensation may 
be suspended, or taken away, at the decision of the Grand 
Lodge. 

" And Further, the Grand Lodge (in consideration of the 
due performance of the above) do bind themselves to repair all 
damages or destruction of the Dispensation, or charges, whether 
by fire or other accident : Provided sufficient proof be given that 
there is no illegal concealment or wilful destruction of the same. 
And the Grand Lodge will support this said Lodge in the 
exercise of their duty, and in the privileges and honors of the 
Order. 

"In witness whereof, we have displayed the colors of our Or- 
der, and subscribed our names, and affixed the seal of 

[l. s.] the Grand Lodge of blank, this seventh day of Febru- 
ary, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one." 

(Signed by the Grand-Master and all officers of the Grand 
Lodge, together with the names of such past officers 
of Lodges as may choose to sign.) 



57 

This document will be forwarded to the brothers 
applying for the Charter, and the Lodge will be or- 
ganized by the Grand-Master or his Deputy, or a 
brother authorized by the Grand Lodge to perform 
such duty. 

The first business of a Lodge is, of course, to 
increase its membership. We have elsewhere, in this 
work, expressed our opinion in reference to the cau- 
tion which should guide Odd-Fellows in introducing 
individuals for membership. We are aware that it is 
extremely desirable to every Lodge, especially in its 
commencement, to enlarge its numbers ; but we are 
sure that a Lodge never loses by exercising the utmost 
surveillance over its good name. One improper per- 
son admitted will often restrain a dozen worthy men 
from connecting themselves with a society, wherein an 
individual may have been received with whom a gen- 
tleman of correct moral sensibilities would not be wil- 
ling to associate. 

The name of a person desiring membership must 
be proposed by a member in writing, stating the age, 
residence, and business of the candidate ; which must 
be referred to three of the brothers for investigation, 
who must report at the succeeding regular meeting, 
when the candidate may be balloted for with ball-bal- 
lots ; and if not more than two black balls appear 
against him, he will be elected ; but if three or more 
appear, he must be rejected, and so declared. A 
brother of the Order wishing to become a member 
of a Lodge must present his card from the Lodge 
of which he was formerly a member, which will be 
referred to a committee of three ; and he must be bal- 
loted for, and elected or rejected, in the manner above 



58 

stated. An Ancient Odd-Fellow,* whose card is out 
of date, or which may have been lost, can be admitted 
by referring his application to a committee, and dis- 
posing of it in other respects as explained above. 
He must be admitted through the process above 
described. 

It is usual, when a candidate is rejected, to send 
notice thereof to all the Lodges in the same and adjoin- 
ing counties in and near which the rejection occurred. 
No rejected person can be lawfully balloted for, in 
any Lodge, under six months from the time of his 
rejection. 

Any brother who is in good standing in his Lodge 
— that is, who is not in arrears, and against whom 
there is no charge " for conduct unbecoming an Odd- 
Fellow" — is entitled to receive from his Lodge, in 
case he should be sick or disabled, a sum of money 
weekly. The amount varies in extent — some of 
the Lodges giving twenty dollars per week, and others 
four or five. The usual allowance, how r ever, is five 
dollars per week. Those Lodges which give large 
benefits charge large initiation-fees and dues. Every 
worthy brother has a positive right to his weekly al- 
lowance. Neither is its payment to him a matter of 
charity. It belongs to him as really and unqualifiedly 
as would insurance-money, due from the insurer of 

* An "Ancient Odd-Fellow" is a person who, having been 
regularly initiated into a legal Lodge of the Independent Order 
of Odd-Fellows, has honorably withdrawn, by card, from the 
Lodge of which he was last a member ; and, retaining his card, 
the same is out of date, by reason of more than twelve months 
having transpired since it was granted ; or, having lost his card, 
good and satisfactory evidence is presented of his honorable with- 
drawal from the Lodge in which he was last in membership. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 59 

property against loss by fire. It can not be too strongly 
impressed upon the minds of Odd-Fellows, that there 
is no humiliation in receiving the Lodge benefits. 

In case of the death of a worthy brother, there is 
allowed, usually, a sum not less than thirty dol- 
lars, to defray the expenses of burial, which is to be 
paid over, without delay, to the deceased brother's 
nearest of kin. The N. G., in the absence of compe- 
tent relations, takes charge of the funeral, and receives 
account of the disbursements. On the demise of the 
wife of a worthy brother, a sum not less than fifteen 
dollars is allowed, for the purpose of assisting in the 
funeral expenses. 

Any brother who may offend against the laws of the 
land, or violate any of the principles of the Order, 
should be promptly expelled from his Lodge. And 
all persons in arrears beyond the time specified in the 
By-Laws for payment of dues, should be as promptly 
suspended. The success and usefulness of a Lodge 
depend much upon the integrity and character of its 
members, and upon the faithful payment of its dues ; 
and it can not be too circumspect in watching over the 
one, and enforcing a rigid observance of the other. 
Yet every man should have a fair trial for an offence 
involving either expulsion, suspension,* or reprimand ; 
neither should a man be suspended for non-payment 
until every warning and facility shall have been given 
him, to induce or aid him in liquidating the claims 
against him. 

* For minor offences, brothers are often suspended during the 
pleasure of the Lodge, and sometimes for a definite period fixed 
by the Lodge. Occasionally, also, brothers are suspended for 
an indefinite period, which amounts to little less than expulsion. 



60 

No member of a Lodge can be put on trial, unless 
charges duly specifying his offence be submitted to the 
Lodge in writing by a brother of the Order, except 
when made liable by non-payment of dues, in which 
case he is usually suspended by the action of the By- 
Laws of his Lodge. When the charge or charges 
shall have been thus preferred against a brother, or 
when any matters of grievance between brothers are 
brought before the Lodge, they should be referred to 
a special committee of Jive members, who must, if pos- 
sible, be chosen from among the peers of the implicated 
brother ; and who, with as little delay as the case will 
admit, must summon the parties, and examine and de- 
termine the matter in question : and if it do not involve 
the expulsion or suspension of a member, or if no ap- 
peal be taken from their decision to the Lodge, it 
should be final without further action from the Lodge. 
Should the committee be convinced of the necessity of 
suspending or expelling a member, they must submit 
a motion for the purpose to the Lodge for action. 
When a motion for the expulsion or suspension of a 
brother shall have been submitted in due form, it must 
be announced at two regular meetings previous to ac- 
tion being taken, and the accused must be summoned 
to be in attendance at the Lodge, at the time when it 
may have been determined to consider the question ; 
at which time, whether the implicated brother be pres- 
ent or not, the Lodge may proceed to consider and 
determine it : two thirds of all the qualified members 
present voting in favor of the motion, it will be carried ; 
and the Lodge is fully competent, while such motion 
is under consideration, to vary the penalty from the 
original motion. If the decision of a committee, ap- 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 61 

pointed as above stated, shall not be satisfactory to all 
parties, either of those interested have the privilege of 
appeal to the Lodge ; and at the time appointed for 
trying the appeal, the committee must present to the 
Lodge, in writing, the grounds on which their decis- 
ion was founded, and the parties have the privilege of 
being heard before the Lodge ; after which the Lodge 
may determine the correctness of the decision of the 
committee by a majority of the votes present. Either 
party interested in a case, feeling aggrieved by the 
decision of the Lodge against him, is entitled to an 
appeal to the Grand Lodge for a new trial, if infor- 
mality or want of fairness be shown on a former trial. 
When a brother has been regularly suspended or ex- 
pelled, notice thereof should be given at once to all 
Lodges in the vicinity ; and no one who has been thus 
expelled can be again admitted to membership without 
the consent of the Grand Lodge. 

The members of a Lodge should ever regard the 
feelings of each other. They should treat each other 
with due delicacy and respect ; and all ungenerous 
remarks, personal allusions, or sarcastic language, by 
which the feelings of any brother may be wounded, 
and the most prominent of our objects (Friendship, 
Charity, and Harmony) be interrupted or defeated, 
should be carefully avoided. All the discussions 
should be conducted in that spirit of candor, modera- 
tion, and open generosity, which leads men to the altar 
of concord and good-fellowship ; and the presiding 
officer of a Lodge should have the aid of every brother 
in his endeavor to repress anything to the contrary. 
It is right and proper, and to be expected, that breth- 
ren will differ in regard to various matters which may 

6 



62 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

be brought before the Lodge ; but surely there is no 
good reason why an honest difference of opinion should 
lead to angry contention and animosity. 

The following rules of order for the government of 
a Lodge are such as should be adopted by all well- 
regulated Lodges of Odd-Fellows ; and we can not do 
better, in concluding this branch of our subject, than 
to present them, for the instruction and the study of 
the readers of this work : — 

1. As soon as the N. G. takes the chair, and calls the Lodge 
to order at the sound of the gavil, the officers shall explain their 
respective duties. 

2. Calling the roll of officers, and reading the last minutes. 

3. Report of the Committee of Relief, Sickness, and Distress. 

4. Consideration of previous proposals for membership. 

5. Initiation of new members. 

6. Reception of new proposals for membership. 

7. Unfinished business appearing on the minutes. 

8. Has any brother anything to offer for the good of this 
Order? 

9. Reading communications. 

10. Reports from Finance Committee, Corresponding Com- 
mittee, Trustees, and Special Committees, by seniority. 

11. New business. 

12. Applications for Degrees. 

13. Balloting for Degrees. 

14. No question shall be stated unless moved by two mem- 
bers, nor be open for consideration until stated by the N. G. ; 
and when a question is before the Lodge, no motion shall be 
received, unless to lay on the table, the previous question, to 
postpone, to refer, or to amend ; and shall have precedence in 
the order in which they are arranged, the first two of which 
shall be decided without debate. 

L5. Any member may call for a division of a question when 
the sense will admit of it. 

16. Any five members calling for the yeas and nays, they 
shall be ordered by the N. G., and recorded on the minutes. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS 5 TEXT-BOOK. G3 

17. After any question has been decided, except one for 
indefinite postponement, any two members who voted in the 
majority, may, at the same time, or next regular meeting, move 
for a reconsideration thereof, but no discussion of the main ques- 
tion shall be allowed unless reconsidered. 

18. All questions, unless otherwise fixed by law, shall be de- 
termined by a majority of votes. 

19. Every member of the Lodge shall have the privilege of 
speaking twice on any question under consideration, but not 
more, unless by the permission of the N. G. 

20. When a brother intends to speak on a question, he shall 
rise in his place and respectfully address his remarks to the 
N. G., confine himself to the question, and avoid personality. 
Should more than one brother rise to speak at the same time, 
the N. G. shall determine who is entitled to the floor. 

21. The N. G. or any member may call a brother to order 
while speaking, when the debate must be suspended, and the 
brother take his seat, until the point of order be determined. 
Should the N. G. confirm the call, any brother may appeal to 
the Lodge, which appeal must be decided without debate, and 
the objectionable words shall, if required, be put in writing. 

22. No brother shall retire without leave of the N. G. ; and 
no brother shall retire or be admitted during the ceremony of 
initiation. 

23. No member shall be permitted to speak or vote on any 
question before the Lodge, unless clothed in suitable regalia. 

24. No motion can be made by one member while another is 
speaking, and no motion can be made without rising and addres- 
sing the chair. 

25. No resolution shall be offered to the Lodge, except in 
writing. 



64 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 



THE OFFICERS OF A LODGE. 

THE NOBLE-GRAND. 

The elevation of a brother to the highest position 
in a Lodge, is a distinction of which he may reasona- 
bly be proud. It confers upon him a dignity, and enti- 
tles him to present and prospective privileges, which, 
as an Odd-Fellow, he may justly regard of inestimable 
value. He should, therefore, having such an appre- 
ciation of the honor conferred upon him, endeavor, 
by his faithfulness to the Lodge, in both his official 
and unofficial capacity, to evince his sense of grate- 
fulness for such honor. 

Much of the peace, harmony, and prosperity of the 
Lodge will, of course, depend upon him; it is there- 
fore necessary that he should deeply impress on his 
mind the important duties of his station. In the per- 
formance of those duties he should be strictly honest 
and correct, and should by no means permit his feel- 
Wg — his "likes or dislikes" — to interfere with the 
justice of his government or the integrity of his decis- 
ions. He should act without fear or partiality ; be 
zealous, yet temper his zeal with prudence ; and al- 
ways, even in the most trying circumstances, maintain 
a tranquil temper, a generous disposition, and an un- 
sullied veracity. If he acquire for himself a reputation 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 65 

for the most unbending integrity and firmness, his de- 
cisions and instructions will not only be received with 
respect, but attentively observed. By the laws of the 
Order he is required to support and maintain the rules 
and regulations of those bodies to which his Lodge is 
subordinate, and to enforce a strict adherence to the 
laws of his own Lodge ; he is instructed to enforce 
those laws, and to preserve, during all times, in his 
Lodge, the strictest order and decorum : he is expected 
to judge of every transaction that may come before 
him, while presiding over the deliberations of the 
Lodge, impartially and without prejudice. 

The N. G., being the head and director of the 
Lodge, is the legal custodian of its Charter, books of 
charges, and lectures, which he is required to preserve 
carefully during his term of office, and to see that they 
shall be delivered to his successor. He is also required 
to see that all officers of the Lodge and members of 
committees perform their respective duties, as enjoined 
by the laws of the Order. He must appoint commit- 
tees ; give the casting vote on every question where 
there is a tie ; inspect and announce the result of all 
ballotings or other votes of the Lodge ; convene spe- 
cial meetings of the Lodge when deemed expedient ; 
draw upon the Treasurer for all sums that have been 
voted by the Lodge, or that may be necessary to pay 
the benefits provided for by the By-Laws ; cause the 
names, age, and residence, of the widows and children 
of deceased brothers to be registered in a book to be 
kept for that purpose, and watch over their interests 
with paternal care, provided that such widows and 
children are of a reputable moral character. 

It is not proper for the N. G. to make or second 
G* 



66 THE odd-fellows' text-book 

any motion or resolution, nor to take part in any de- 
bate, while in the chair. Neither does it appear well 
for him to leave the Lodge in charge of a brother, for 
the purpose of taking part in a debate. He has the 
right to advise and to speak generally, from his place, 
on any subject of a general nature for the good of the 
Order ; but he should not enter into the arena of de- 
bate, and make himself a party in any question before 
the Lodge. 

In the selection of his subordinate officers, the 
N. G. should be circumspect and discreet. He should 
endeavor to judge, from an observation of the intelli- 
gence of the brothers of his Lodge, which of them are 
best qualified to fill, with credit to the Lodge and them- 
selves, the various duties expected of them. Espe- 
cially should the Conductor and Warden of a Lodge 
be men of capacity and intelligence — men who are 
competent to give the charges peculiar to their office 
in a dignified and impressive manner. 

The N. G. should by all means be attentive to the 
sick or distressed members of his Lodge. He should 
be the first to call on his brother in trouble or adver- 
sity, and sympathize with and aid him by his coun- 
sel or advice. Nor should he consider that this duty 
is not required of him, but only of the committee 
appointed for this purpose. Such is an erroneous 
impression, which ought to be at all times corrected, 
wherever it prevails. It is as much consistent with 
the duty and obligations of the head of a Lodge to 
visit weekly his sick or disabled brothers, as it is for 
him to be present each week at the opening of his 
Lodge. And such sick or distressed brothers may 
properly feel aggrieved, if neglected by him to whom, 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 67 

as an Odd-Fellow, they naturally look for sympathy 
and condolence in their time of trouble. 



THE VICE-GRAND. 

The Vice-Grand, who is second in authority in the 
Lodge, and who, if he conduct himself with propri- 
ety, is always sure to succeed to the highest place in 
the gift of his brethren, should regard the situation he 
occupies as one in which he has abundant facility to 
make himself acquainted with the duties and require- 
ments of the office he will, in a short time, be called 
upon to fill. During the term of his occupancy of 
the " lower chair," therefore, he should make it a 
part of his business to acquire a correct understanding 
of the laws he will be expected to enforce, and to 
study the dispositions and qualities of those he will be 
called upon to govern. By so doing, he will be pre- 
pared to perform, with credit to himself and advan- 
tage to the Lodge, the duties we have, in the prece- 
ding pages, described as those appertaining to the 
office of a Noble-Grand. 

It is expected of the Vice-Grand, while in the dis- 
charge of his office as such, that he will assist the 
N. G. in the execution of his duties, and use his 
utmost efforts to promote the harmony and welfare of 
the Lodge, and to increase love among his brethren ; 
and that he will check or restrain every improper sen- 
timent that may be uttered by any brother, in or out 
of the Lodge. He must also carefully attend to the 
support of order in the Lodge : and it is his duty and 
his privilege to advise with the N. G. and to remind 



68 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

him of any omission of anything appertaining to his 
office and duty. At all times, when the N. G. is ab- 
sent, or otherwise engaged, the V. G. takes his place 
and assumes his duties, and is, for the time being, the 
head of the Lodge, with all the authority of a princi- 
pal officer. It is also his duty to appoint his own 
assistants (two in number) and a minority of Commit- 
tees of Investigation ; to assist in examining the ballot- 
ings for members ; and to take especial charge of the 
ingress and egress of brothers to or from the Lodge. 

The V. G. also should make it his business to 
visit weekly his sick or afflicted brothers. He should 
not esteem this duty so lightly as to suppose that it 
attaches merely to the Visiting Committee and to his 
superior officer; but, as he is second in his Lodge, 
and must soon be first, he must remember, not only 
that much is expected of him in his present position, 
but that a visit from him, and a few words of encour- 
agement, to a brother in pain, will lighten that brother's 
burden, at the same time that they raise him in the 
estimation of all, who appreciate such conduct in those 
on whom honors and authority have been conferred 
by the brethren. 



THE SECRETARY. 

The office of Secretary has been esteemed, by some, 
to be the most arduous and responsible situation in a 
Lodge. We would not wish to say that we agree 
with this opinion, nor would we underrate the useful- 
ness and labor of a Secretary ; but we are of opinion 
that every office, while it requires abilities suited to 
its nature, is more or less arduous, if it be faithfully 



i 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 69 

filled. Yet the Secretary's is a most important post, 
and one which requires a capacity which compara- 
tively few men possess. A correct record of the pro- 
ceedings of all public bodies is most desirable. The 
Secretary of a Lodge should be quick of comprehen- 
sion, and possess the quality of writing, or in some 
way placing ideas promptly in his memory, so rapidly 
as to obtain an accurate record of every subject sug- 
gested or acted upon. For, frequently, matters of the 
greatest importance must be decided by a reference 
to his minutes of the proceedings. 

The Secretary is properly considered the third 
officer in a Lodge ; and although he has no power or 
authority, yet his opinion has great weight with the 
brethren. It is also the case, that, with very rare ex- 
ceptions, he is, at the end of his term, elevated to the 
chair of the V. G., whence, in due time, he of course 
goes up to the head of the Lodge. 

It is the duty of the Secretary to keep a correct and 
impartial record of all the proceedings of a Lodge ; to 
fill up summonses ; to write all letters and communi- 
cations that may be ordered by the Lodge or the N. G. ; 
to fill up certificates and cards ; to keep securely the 
seal and books ; to attest to all moneys ordered to be 
paid ; to furnish to the Grand Lodge (at the end of 
his term) a correct account of the condition of the 
Lodge ; and to answer, by direction of the Lodge, all 
communications that may be addressed to it.* 

* In most of the Lodges, the business being too much for one 
Secreta^, there is a second elected, who is called the Perma- 
nent Secretary, and who usually receives pecuniary considera- 
tion for his services. Ordinarily, he is elected for one year. It 
is his duty to keep just and true accounts between the Lodge 



70 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 

The Secretary of a Lodge should endeavor to exer- 
cise toward his brethren, who may apply to him for 
information relative to matters in his charge, the utmost 
courtesy and forbearance. He should be willing to 
take some trouble to enlighten them on all subjects 
connected with his business, into which they have the 
right to inquire ; and in no case should he allow him- 
self to be offended at what he may consider unneces- 
sary inquiry. There can be no secret rightfully kept 
from a brother of the Lodge. He has the right to de- 
mand information relative to everything that is done 
therein, whether it be in his presence or absence ; and 
as the Secretary is the servant of the Lodge, he must 
expect to be called upon for information concerning 
its transactions. 

We would also say, that the Secretary of a Lodge 
should not consider that his duty as an officer is merely 
to perform the requirements we have here noted ; but 

and its members ; to collect all dues, fines, and assessments, as 
soon as imposed, and report to the Lodge any brother neglecting 
to pay the same when duly notified ; to enter the charges as 
they become due, and credit the amounts as paid, giving a 
receipt for them; and to pay them to the Treasurer imme- 
diately, taking his receipt. He must, at the close of each term, 
notify every member who is thirteen weeks in arrears of the 
amount due by him to the Lodge, adding thereto twelve and a 
half cents extra for serving the notice. At the end of each 
quarter, he must render to the Lodge an account of the state 
of his books. He must keep his accounts regularly posted, and 
be ready at all times to render statements of the arrears of the 
brethren, so that their rights be not abused. No person, how- 
ever, is at liberty to interfere with his books, except the N. G. 
of his Lodge, or the Grand-Master or his Deputy. In Penn- 
sylvania, the Recording Secretary is called " Permanent," and 
the Permanent Secretary " Assistant. 1 ' 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 71 

that -he too (although he may not be bound to do so by 
the regulations or official desire of his Lodge) should 
make his weekly call at the bedside of his sick brother. 
As an Odd-Fellow simply, he might do this with much 
propriety ; but, as an officer of his Lodge, he can 
hardly, if his heart be right, fail to perform so small 
a task of justice and good-will : for, with how little 
trouble to himself can he thus confer a real pleasure 
on a brother ! 



THE TREASURER. 

The Treasurer of a Lodge occupies a responsible 
and important office, which should be always confided 
to a brother known to possess correct business habits 
and the strictest honesty. For he is expected, not only 
to keep a rigid account of his receipts and expendi- 
tures, but to be most punctual in the payment of bene- 
fits due the sick and distressed brothers. It is em- 
phatically his duty to call, each week, on such brothers, 
to give comfort and consolation in a double capacity. 
His delay, even of a single day, may sometimes cause 
a great amount of real distress and disappointment. It 
may, too, bring a reproach upon the Lodge and the 
Order : for there are always enough people to watch 
the course pursued by Odd-Fellows toward each other 
in cases of illness, and to sneer at our professions if 
we do not happen to fulfil them to the very letter. 

When a Lodge once elects a good Treasurer, it 
should keep him elected so long as he may be willing 
to retain the office. 

It is the duty of the Treasurer to receive at each 



72 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

meeting whatever funds may be paid into the hands of 
the Secretary (through which all moneys must pass), 
and be so correct, careful, and honest, as to give- the 
Lodge the most complete confidence that it is secure 
from any pecuniary loss. He should be ready, when- 
ever called upon, to inform the Lodge of its pecuniary 
condition, and be prepared to surrender, at any mo- 
ment, his trust with honor, in case he should be desired 
to do so. It has been well and truly said, for the con- 
sideration and reflection of the Treasurer, that " on the 
proper management of the fiscal concerns of a Lodge 
mainly depends its ability to render assistance where 
it is needed, and at the time it may be required." 

It is expected of the Treasurer, that, prior to his in- 
stallation as such, he. should give a joint and several 
bond, with two approved sureties, conditioned for the 
faithful discharge of the duties of his office. These 
sureties should be bona fide, so that the Lodge may 
not be under the unpleasant necessity of rejecting them 
at the time of installation. In case they shall be men 
of insufficient responsibility, the Lodge should not 
hesitate, from motives of delicacy, to reject them 
promptly; for the laws of the Order and of the Lodge 
should ever be paramount to individual consideration. 



THE CONDUCTOR. 

The office of Conductor is a most important one — 
one which few men, comparatively, are qualified to fill. 
The Conductor should be a competent reader, and 
understand something also of elocution. His duty is 
a peculiar one ; in fact, on the impressions he may 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 73 

make often depend the subsequent conduct and use- 
fulness of the Odd-Fellow. 



THE WARDEN. 

The Warden, also, should be competent to read 
well, and to make a proper impression on the neophyte. 
It is his duty, likewise, to see that the regalia for the 
use of the members, at the opening of the Lodge, is 
properly provided, and to collect and preserve it in a 
careful manner at the close. He must canvass all 
votes on motions and resolutions, and act as messen- 
ger of the Lodge (during its sittings only) when desired 
to do so. He must also see that no improper person 
is in the Lodge at its opening. 



THE GUARDIANS. 

No office can be of more importance than that of 
Guardian. On the Guardian much depends. If he 
neglect or refuse to perform his duty, the Lodge might 
soon become a scene of confusion. It rests with him 
almost entirely whether an improper person shall enter 
the ante-chambers of the Lodge. He should therefore 
be wary, and promptly require every person whom he 
might suspect, to give a good account of himself, or 
report him to the proper officer. He should be a man 
of nerve, too-— one who would not for a moment hesi- 
tate to eject forcibly, if requisite, any person who might 
presume to deceive or intrude upon the Lodge. 

7 



74 the odd-fellows' text-book. 



THE SUPPORTERS. 

These officers are more useful and necessary to a 
Lodge than many are apt to suppose. They have 
duties to perform, which, in more than one sense, are 
important. Among these, not the least is that which 
requires them to remind the presiding officers of any 
omissions which they may make in the prosecution of 
their business. They should ever remember that the 
eyes of the brethren are upon them, and that on the 
faithful and correct performance of their duties depend 
in a great measure their prospect of future preferment, 
and final elevation to more responsible positions.* 



ATTENDANCE AT THE LODGE 

It is the duty of an Odd-Fellow to be vigilant and 
attentive. By this we mean that he should not only 
be strict in the payment of his dues to the Lodge, but 
that he should also be a punctual and regular attendant 
there. No brother can be fully impressed with his duty 
as an Odd-Fellow who attends only once or twice -in a 
year, and then merely for the purpose of paying his 
dues. The reasonable inference would be, that such 
a man had become a member of the Fraternity for the 
extremely selfish object of obtaining pecuniary advan- 

* We have said nothing of the Chaplain. It is optional with 
a Lodge whether to appoint a Chaplain or not. His duty is 
merely to open and close the meetings with prayer, and to 
attend at funerals of members deceased. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 75 

tage ; and that he could not, or would not, see any 
excellence in the system beyond that of its beneficial 
character. This, unfortunately, is a " too-common 
error," and he who is under its influence should be at 
once undeceived. If brothers absent themselves from 
the regular meetings of the Lodge, those who do attend 
will naturally feel indignant Or grieved, or both, and 
consider that a slight has been put upon them : and 
those who are not members, observing the carelessness 
of brethren in this matter, will be apt to think that 
there must be very little attraction in Odd-Fellowship, 
when those who are connected with a Lodge appear to 
feel so little interest in its prosperity. Every brother 
should be at his Lodge, weekly if possible, but cer- 
tainly once in each month. A general attendance at 
the meetings makes them interesting, and is an encour- 
agement to officers and members. Thus more good 
can be accomplished, both to the brothers of the Lodge 
themselves, and to the community at large. Let it be 
therefore ever borne in mind that punctual attendance 
at the Lodge is an essential duty of every Odd-Fellow. 



BEHAVIOR IN THE LODGE. 

Brothers, during the working-hours of the Lodge, 
should conduct themselves with the utmost propriety 
and decorum. We would call particular attention to 
this subject. It is the object of all our ceremonies to 
make a good as well as indelible impression on the 
minds of those who would become Odd-Fellows. There 



76 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

is a solemnity in the " work" — a reality in the emblems 
— a truth in the official instructions — which should 
not be trifled with. It would seem to be a mere farce 
to ask another to be serious, while all around him are 
talking and laughing. We do not say that any Lodge 
has so far forgotten its dignity as to act thus — we ac- 
cuse none — but we say plainly, that, if any Lodge 
should perform its work in the midst of confusion or 
uproar, it would bring a scandal upon the Order, for 
which it would deserve to be severely reprimanded. 
Such conduct, indeed, if indulged and permitted for a 
single evening, would soon show its fruits out of the 
Lodge. We may rely upon it, the world would soon 
laugh at us, if we should begin the joJce ourselves. If 
we wish to have our " mysteries" preserved, therefore, 
we must most sincerely respect them, and thus give an 
example which will command respect from others. 

Brothers should also be attentive in the Lodge to its 
regular business ; they should listen to whatever may 
be proceeding, in order that they may be able to vote 
upon it with a correct apprehension of its propriety or 
importance. Neither should a brother " dodge" a ques- 
tion, or refuse or neglect to vote upon it, without a very 
substantial reason. 



77 



BEHAVIOR OUT OF THE LODGE. 

Odd-Fellows should endeavor to convince the 
world, by their conduct as neighbors and citizens, that 
the teachings and objects of their Institution tend to 
make them wiser and better men. They should be 
upright and correct in their dealings — should be char- 
itable and benevolent — willing to relieve the distresses 
and wants of the poor, when they may do so consist- 
ently. They should be industrious and virtuous, and 
provide for those dependent upon them. The Odd- 
Fellow who behaves ill to his family, either personally 
in not providing for their wants, or by idling away his 
time in dissipation and drunkenness, should be accused 
before his Lodge, and condemned for conduct unbe- 
coming his profession. 

It is well enough for Odd-Fellows to encourage each 
other in business, preferring to employ brothers rather 
than strangers, provided they can be accommodated 
equally as well. This they are not of course enjoined 
to do by the laws of the Order ; but they may as broth- 
ers prefer one another, and no reasonable man can 
consistently complain of such preference. 

Brothers should be strictly cautious in their conver- 
sations and communication with others relative to the 
business of their Lodges. They should not only make 
no improper discovery to the uninformed, but they 
should also not, by any hint or double entendre, excite 
the curiosity of the world. They should never forget 
that curious people are constantly on the alert to catch 
at any word on this subject which, they imagine, may 
enlighten them with reference to our " secrecy." 
7* 



78 



DUTY OF ONE MEMBER TOWARD 
ANOTHER. 

Every one should feel and display a deep interest 
in the prosperity of the society in which he has a part. 
Its interests are his interests ; he, too, is a professed 
supporter of its objects ; he is, as far as his abilities 
go, responsible for its proceedings ; he will actively 
concern himself for the faithful preservation of its 
tenets ; he will rejoice in its peaceful state of activity. 
This only is to be accomplished by a continued affa- 
bility and familiarity of manner toward those among 
whom he associates ; austerity, pride, and pedantry, 
are the three greatest enemies to such a consummation : 
he will not, therefore, by exercising an undue degree 
of the baneful tendency of self opinion, destroy that 
fellow-feeling so requisite among all who enter a Lodge- 
room. Let no degree of slight originate between us, 
because the individual who sits next us has, by his 
ordinary avocation, a more grimsy dye upon his fea- 
tures, or the shallowness of his purse causes his coat 
to be made of a coarser material than our own. His 
interests in the Lodge are conjointly formed with ours ; 
consequently, so long as the principles of the Order 
are held in deference and esteem by him, he deserves 
the same mark of respect from us which perchance is 
due from us to others of a higher caste. Again, let 
not the latter party imagine a slight where none is 
meant. His fellow-member's carriage and deportment 
in common life may seem to rank nigh to pedantry, or 
his style of language and general comportment seem 
like affectation ; still, however dissonant it may be to 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 79 

our own feelings, he may hold good the principles of 
Odd-Fellowship, and condemnation of his demeanor is 
not justifiable without sufficient proof to his prejudice. 
On either hand we must withhold judgment until ex- 
perience shall have decided us. Particularities should 
have very little to do with the Order, which is noble 
and plastic, is meant for the world, and is adapted for 
man in all his diversified circumstances ; equality and 
brotherhood should be our greatest aim. 

In all our dealings, all our discussional points, let 
us not assume a loftier degree of superiority than the 
most well-founded pretensions can warrant ; neither 
let us lack spirit enough to think ourselves inferior to 
those who by dint of pleasing though powerful language 
may carry an argument, when the smallest iota of 
sound reason may tell us we excel them. To dwell 
on our own distinctive points, or those of other parties, 
has an alienating and divisive tendency. The very 
nature of things tells us that arrogant pretensions en- 
kindle resistance ; that ascendency generates discon- 
tent ; that insolence awakens scorn. Again, fear pro- 
duces contempt ; truculence strengthens authority ; 
adulation confirms pride. To enjoy more fully the 
desirable connection which our frequent intercourse 
affords, we should ever grace our conduct to each 
other with mildness, and generosity, and frankness, 
and confidence ; always open to advice when needful, 
whether it emanate from those whom we may consider 
a grade below us, or from those in a station superior 
to our own ; and ever ready to perform the same office 
to others, as far as in us lies, without pride and arro- 
gance, always remembering that cordial affability gen- 
erally begets esteem. Under any other system social 



80 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 

kindness dies away, and jealousy, resentment, and envy, 
usurp its place. But what need be said more than 
this — "we are members one of another," and we 
should ever nourish a feeling of brotherly love to all 
who join us. The " law of love" is the rule of Chris- 
tian intercourse : let not a perversion of its principles 
be shown among Odd-Fellows. To every one we 
should stand ready to exercise kindness, gentleness, 
forbearance, fidelity. To any that are erring from the 
strict path of rectitude, we should be assiduous in im- 
parting warning, reproof, and instruction — thereby ce- 
menting more firmly the bonds which endear us. To 
the afflicted we should administer, as far as ability will 
admit, to their comfort; at the same time manifest our 
sympathy. By thus bringing together our good inten- 
tions, and combining their influences, every individual 
will partake of the general energy. Our scattered light 
will thus be concentrated into one orb, shedding a lus- 
trous halo on all around. 

Toward those who are elected our officers let us 
exercise a beseeming degree of respect and deference, 
that they may find we do not set an idle value upon 
the offices they fill. By our own voice they preside 
over us, and consequently we virtually engage to accept 
their instruction in all that pertaineth to the good of 
the Order. Hence, members of the Order are expected 
to welcome official admonition, reproof, and advice. 
We mean no slavish mental or bodily fear or adulation 
— no sacrifice of conscience or judgment ; but a readi- 
ness to hear the inculcation of the different principles 
of the Order — a uniform obedience to its laws, how- 
ever apparently disagreeable. This is a duty we sol- 
emnly promise when we enter a Lodge, and to swerve 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 81 

from such duty is a gross violation of honor as a man 
and an Odd-Fellow. 

Odd-Fellowship is, in our opinion, founded on the 
strictest principles of piety ; and we must perceive, in 
its social regulations, that the happiness of an individ- 
ual member must rise or fall in proportion to the inter- 
est he feels in the welfare of his fellow-members, and 
for the preservation of the Order in common. Like 
the heavenly bodies, which are preserved in their rela- 
tive position to each other by their common attraction 
to the sun, Odd-Fellows are kept in unison with each 
other by their attachment to principles which directly 
govern them. Those who can not heartily perform 
the social duties of Odd-Fellowship, want an essential 
mark of fellow-feeling to mankind in general. What 
other proof need be afforded of the efficacy and moral 
tendency of the Order, than the increasing, and rapid, 
and astonishing progress it has made throughout the 
world within the last few years ? As the light of intel- 
lect improves, Odd-Fellowship will acquire adherents 
and keep pace with it. Wherever it once becomes 
known, its benign influences are embraced, and no 
excitement is needed to blazon forth its precepts to 
accumulate disciples. Opposition has been made to 
it — is likely to be made — -by the base, the self-suffi- 
cient, and the unworthy ; but its purity has ever stood 
the fiery ordeal, and come forth in more vivid colors — 
its pristine brightness untarnished, unsullied. 

Let us, then, persist in the glorious work we have 
commenced, with vigor and unflinching stability ; let 
our bark, while sailing on the extensive ocean of Fel- 
lowship, be guided by the compass of justice ; and, 
if we may continue the metaphor, let us perseveringly 



82 the odd-fellows' text-book, 

pursue the track its needle indicates ; that, when ar- 
rived at our destined haven, we may, with a pure con- 
sciousness of having supported to the utmost our pur- 
pose of benevolence and charity, securely recline our 
heads on the satisfactory pillow of contentment, and 
indulge in the aspiring hope that when summoned from 
this sublunary sphere, we may meet with an eternal 
welcome in that " angel-land" where " sorrow intrudes 
not" — where " the wicked cease from troubling, and 
the weary are at rest !" 



CHARITY SHOULD DISTINGUISH ODD- 
FELLOWS. 

Among the several moral virtues, Charity occupies 
a very prominent station. It is not, indeed, so much 
an independent virtue, as it is the element in which 
the other virtues move and operate. Its influence is 
remote, rather than immediate ; and its excellence is 
seen to the best advantage, when observed in the 
various accidents and circumstances of practical life. 
When we think of Charity, we think of it rather as an 
energy to give tone and character to other graces, than 
of something which is in itself a grace. Performed 
in the true spirit of Charity, the simplest act wears an 
aspect of beauty and sublimity ; apart from its pres- 
ence and influence, the most important action appears 
altogether hideous and revolting. Hence, an inspired 
writer has aptly called it " the very bond of perfect- 
ness ;" which is, in effect, to constitute it a sort of 
atmosphere for the other virtues to move in. 



TEXT-BOOK. 83 

Charity is that universal feeling of good-will and 
kindness, which, rejecting local circumstances and 
prejudices, is willing to embrace the breathing uni- 
verse in the spirit of concession and compromise ; and 
which, where its object is smitten by the hand of pov- 
erty, is desirous of displaying itself in acts of pecu- 
niary assistance. If we would make a just estimate 
of its importance, let us look abroad upon the face of 
the peopled earth. Let us observe the myriads upon 
myriads of active beings dwelling upon its surface, 
who, as civil and social beings, are bound together 
mainly by the cold law of selfishness ; consider the 
numerous weaknesses and errors of human judgment ; 
mark the perpetual liabilities to collision of feeling and 
interest ; and we may then be prepared to form some 
idea of the importance of Charity. It is true that 
man, as an individual, possesses sympathies and incli- 
nations that lead to seek with avidity the fellowship of 
his species ; but, so soon as he enters into a state in 
society, his feelings of selfishness gain the ascendency 
of all the rest : hence the necessity of some strong 
opposing principle, which shall be, in fact, the great 
conservative principle of humanity. Such a principle 
is Charity. Like an angel of mercy, it has gone forth 
into the various departments of society with " healing 
in its wings ;" often humbling and subduing the proud 
oppressor's heart ; and ever seeking to soothe the 
wretched and disconsolate. 

The monuments of Charity are more enduring than 
those of the hero ; for they speak not of devastation 
and blood, but of positive deeds of mercy that can 
never be forgotten, until nature has forgotten to do its 
wonted work upon the memory of man. And while 



84 - 

systems that have grown weak from age shall have 
fallen with a crash that shall shake the earth, it will be 
the province of Charity to gather up the fragments 
that lay around, and march on, to shape to better 
purposes the destiny of the coming period. 

But, if Charity be thus important in itself, institu- 
tions tending to extend and perpetuate its influence 
must be of vast utility also. Such an institution is 
Odd-Fellowship. It is based upon the purest prin- 
ciples of equality, extending like privileges and immu- 
nities to all its membership ; and, rejecting all prefer- 
ence for any particular creed in religion, it clings, with 
the utmost tenacity, to those great moral principles 
which are shadowed forth in the impressions of nature, 
and confirmed by the precepts of Divine Revelation. 
Its membership, particularly those of more elevated 
condition, should learn to lay aside feelings of pride 
and ostentation, by the frequent recurrence of scenes 
of sorrow and wretchedness ; while from those scenes 
they should gather a practical commentary upon the 
unstable character of earthly pomp and glory. Les- 
sons taught by example are more thrilling than those 
gathered from the history of past events. There is no 
school so good as that of self-experience. We read 
of events of gone-by generations, as things about which 
we are concerned but little ; and of those who were 
long since subjected to the sad fluctuations of earthly 
fortune, we are too apt to feel that they were beings 
with whose destinies our own are but slightly identified. 
We read of Xerxes, who marshalled his millions upon 
the plains of Asia-Minor, and fancied himself capable 
of shaking the pillars of the universe. A moment 
more, we see him flying from a handful of detested 



TEXT-BOOK. 85 

Grecians. We read of Tadmor in the desert, whose 
splendor almost added additional lustre to the sun. 
Alas, she is gone now ! and she and Xerxes sleep in 
the same oblivious tomb. We read the sad illustration 
of the fleeting nature of earthly glory : it is an old 
story ; and our hearts turn away but slightly affected. 
But when from a tragedy, which was acted many cen- 
turies ago, we turn aside to gaze, for ourselves, upon 
a scene of wo and wretchedness, the tear of sympathy 
will glisten in the eye, and the visage, despite of itself, 
will begin to express the commiseration that rules the 
heart within. Such feelings indicate the true spirit of 
Charity ; and such feelings Odd-Fellowship is well 
calculated to create and preserve. 

But while Odd-Fellowship thus fosters Charity, and 
extends its influence as a social principle, it strips it 
of its most revolting character, when made to assume 
the garb of almsgiving. To a sensitive being, how- 
ever desolate his condition, the idea of being the 
receiver of accidental charity is a loathsome thing. 
This feeling Odd-Fellowship takes away, since, in 
sending its alms to the desolate widow — who stands in 
silent but speaking wretchedness over the couch of her 
deceased husband — it places it in her hands as that 
which is hers by right of inheritance. This is an 
incalculable good. It is not enough that alms be 
given : they must be so given that the subject does not 
feel the sad necessity he is under to receive them. 
Otherwise, in relieving an immediate necessity, alms- 
giving would often lead to a remote and fearful evil, 
by making its subject repine at his lot, and curse the 
hard hand of Providence for subjecting him to so sad 
a state of vassalage. 



86 

In promoting Odd-Fellowship, then, we are sub- 
serving the best interests of humanity by advancing 
Charity. Together may they run out into the various 
departments of society, until they shall have com- 
passed the four corners of the earth ! And while 
Charity shall erect its temple in every land, may 
benevolence and love rule the feeling of every breast ! 



THE PROPOSAL OF CANDIDATES. 

This is unquestionably one of the most essential 
matters, in reference to Odd-Fellowship, that can be 
suggested ; and we shall, therefore, speak plainly, 
though we trust not harshly, upon it. If we assert 
that much harm has resulted from negligence or hasti- 
ness in this business, we trust that those who may have 
been to blame will take no offence, but that they will 
" make haste" to atone, in some measure, for the evil 
they have done, by restraining others from following 
their example. 

There was an old charge (and an excellent one), 
which Odd-Fellows heard very often, and which might 
still, with much propriety, be impressed on their minds. 
The spirit of Innovation has " flung" that good old 
sentence of advice, with some other good things, into 
the shade ; but we shall print it here, with the hope 
that some thousands of Odd-Fellows, now and hereaf- 
ter, will read and ponder it. It is as follows : — 

" Should you, at any time, jwojiose a, friend to be- 
come a member of this Order, see that he be such a 



87 

man as will be likely to conform to the rules and pre- 
cepts of Odd-Fellowship ; for nothing is so painful to 
the feelings of faithful Odd-Fellows as to see the 
requirements of the Institution trampled upon and 
profaned.'''' 

With such an injunction as this impressed upon the 
mind, surely no Odd-Fellow could conscientiously be 
instrumental in bringing an unworthy person into the 
Fraternity. He would be careful to propose no such 
character. It will not do to say that a bad man may 
be expelled, and that his admission, therefore, will 
produce no harm. For when a worthless character 
once gains access to a Lodge, and is enrolled among 
its members, although it is true we can always remove 
him from a place he is unfit to fill, yet, as every one 
has some friends, the cure, in this case, is at least as 
bad as the disease. How much better is it to be care- 
ful, and allow no such person to be even proposed ! 
If a person heedlessly rush into danger, and break a 
limb, or engender a pestilential fever, his physician 
may restore him to health ; but how preferable to the 
physician would prevention have been ! So, more 
mischief can be avoided, and more good effected, by 
employing our vigilance and caution in proposing can- 
didates, than in healing the wounds caused by unworthy 
men after they have once entered our halls and been 
initiated into our mysteries. It is a lamentable fact, 
and one which has done us, as an Order, more harm 
than all the opposition of our enemies, that there have 
been bad men introduced among us. We can not 
deny this fact, humiliating as it is, but we can surely 
prevent a repetition of occurrences so much to be 
deprecated. 



88 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

We would not undertake to set up any particular 
standard or rule in this matter ; but we would suggest 
that any brother who proposes for Odd-Fellows men 
whose characters are known to be bad, violates, as a 
member of our Brotherhood, every principle of honor, 
and deserves himself expulsion from any Lodge which 
he thereby so deeply disgraces and injures. Scoffers, 
bigots, gamblers, drunkards, slanderers, liars, sensual- 
ists, misers, swindlers, men who abandon wives and 
children, men who "grind the faces of the poor" — 
should no more be admitted into an Odd-Fellows' 
Lodge than the thief or the murderer ! 

Every man who becomes a member of a Lodge, 
signs his name to a written or printed paper, in which 
occurs something like the following : — 

" Any person not under twenty-one, nor over sixty 
years of age, of good moral character and industrious 
habits, and exempt from all infirmities which may 
prevent his gaining a livelihood for himself and fam- 
ily, shall be eligible to membership in this Lodge. 
Brothers, before proposing a candidate for member- 
ship, must first ascertain if he is qualified according 
to the preceding conditions ; his name must then be 
submitted, and, at the time of making the proposition, 
the sum of blank dollars must be deposited with the 
Secretary ; and in case the candidate should not come 
forward within eight weeks after being notified of his 
election (unless prevented by sickness or absence from 
town), he shall forfeit the same, and it shall be paid 
over to the Widow and Orphans' Fund, and the propo- 
sition shall be void ; but should he be rejected, the 
amount so paid shall be refunded. When a propo- 
sition for membership has been made, the same shall 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 89 

be referred to a Committee of three brothers, who 
shall report at the next regular meeting, when the 
candidate shall be balloted for, and if he receive an 
unfavorable vote, the same can in no case be recon- 
sidered ; provided, also, that a proposition, when once 
made, can not be withdrawn. Every member, on be- 
ing admitted into this Lodge, shall sign the Constitu- 
tion and By-Laws thereof, agreeing to support the 
same, and pay all legal demands against him so long 
as he remains a member of this Lodge ; he shall also 
furnish the Secretary with his residence, and, in case 
of removal, shall notify him within three weeks there- 
after." 

This is what Odd-Fellows should consider carefully, 
in all its bearings, ere they propose any man — no 
matter how much a friend he may be — to the Order. 



DISCIPLINE OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 

Human nature is formed Of a material so frail in 
texture, that, however plausible may be its tenor for a 
time — unless bound by an adamantine chain of reso- 
lution — temptation soon makes an inroad upon its ter- 
ritories, and wantonly destroys all its barriers, all its 
good intentions. It can not therefore be surprising 
that in a Fraternity of 200,000, let their designs be 
ever so pure, some means must be taken to exercise a 
spirit of consistency among them, having for its object 
the perpetuity of the cause and the benefit of each in- 
dividual. Every human institution provides against 
8* 



90 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 

departures from the purpose and spirit of its establish- 
ment. We see the Society of Friends- — a fraternity 
whose apathy to form is proverbial, where it can in the 
slightest case be dispensed with — even they have rules 
framed so as to protect its principles against the possi- 
bility of perversion. Every bill for the enclosure of a 
waste or the construction of a railway is marked by the 
suspicious prudence of mankind in dealing with their 
brethren. Now in scarcely any other case is there so 
great danger of innovation as in the case of Odd-Fel- 
lowship — a tender plant in an ungenial soil. Hence 
our General Laws, hence our By-Laws : how they 
operate, the increasing prosperity of the Order shows. 
To prevent a general decay, we must put forcible re- 
strictions upon a defaulter. We must have control 
somewhere. It is nothing but reasonable, therefore, 
that a government be formed, like that of the Grand 
Lodge of the United States, for the guidance of the 
whole, and the preserving a general and perpetual 
spirit of uniformity. If we are to remain a company 
of unflinching advocates in the cause of philanthropy, 
we must exact an unrelaxing discipline from all. The 
object to be kept in view is the purity of the Order 
and the good of all who oppose its interests by a base 
perversion of its principles. Still we are to avoid all 
rashness, all hasty conclusions. Reproof should be 
administered where a disposition is shown to infringe 
upon a law, and that in a serious manner, " with great 
meekness and pity," and with perfect i?npartialit)j. 
Admonition will often bring an erring brother to con- 
trition. St. Paul treats admirably on this point, when 
willing to the church at Thessalonica : "Note that 
man, and have no company with him, that he may be 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 91 

ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but ad- 
monish him as a brother." In every case of infrac- 
tion the object should be to " restore" an offender, 
rather than to punish or expel him. We see, then, 
the necessity of not entirely abandoning those who err : 
they should be warned, and, if possible, convinced of 
their departure from rule, that they may be " restored 
in the spirit of meekness." Persons are placed in a 
very delicate situation who incur the censure of a 
Lodge, and ought to feel and know the dishonor and 
danger that fall, not only upon themselves, but upon 
the Order in particular ; for the prejudice of the world 
is strong, and many who " lie in wait for our halting" 
would rejoice at the prospect of our downfall. 

Earnest adherence to rule is particularly necessary 
to Odd-Fellowship. We must never allow discipline 
to be relaxed, as the number of cases, which may by 
such means require it, increase, and the Order must 
contain many who are indisposed to employ the goodly 
resoluteness. Hence, too, none save such as entertain 
a strict desire for the prosperity of the Order, can be 
expected to maintain a real discipline. Many " roots 
of bitterness" will spring up in Lodges, and we can 
not expect to arrive at so desired a state of perfectness 
but some will be "found wanting;" for whereunto is 
the palace that foul things sometimes intrude not? 

The time must eventually arrive when our elder 
brethren will be " gathered to their fathers," and the 
guidance of the Order devolve on the younger mem- 
bers. If, then, we indulge in odious petty differences 
now, we must bid farewell to the tranquillity, content, 
and peace, exhibited and enjoyed to-day, and dread 
the anarchy, confusion, and turbulence, that will assu- 



92 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

redly prevail to-morrow. "Can such things be, and 
overcome us, like a summer's cloud, without our spe- 
cial wonder?" To obviate so dire an aspect in the 
perspective, so bitterly repugnant to the feelings of 
every true Odd-Fellow, so utterly at variance with the 
purposes for which our praiseworthy Institution was 
founded, let us, by our uniform adherence to its prin- 
ciples, evince our determination to secure unviolated, 
unsullied, without stain and without alloy, the purity 
of Odd-Fellowship in our own day. 

A decided enforcement of discipline is necessary in 
the promotion of unity among us, without which we 
may, as the numerous sands on a seabeach, lie in acci- 
dental proximity— in a seeming connectedness with 
each other — but, upon a more superficial observance, 
our manifold and important parts are wofully disjointed. 
We must exhibit a solidity of purpose and principle 
entirely connected. We must, like a mass of gold, 
uniformly allow all our parts and particles to adhere 
and combine; and so evince an ardent desire of reso- 
lution to fulfil the important duties we are called upon 
to perform in a manner that will reflect credit on the 
Order, and convey satisfaction to ourselves. We must, 
by unity, not only constitute a great number, but a great 
one. We must be united in both common interests 
and reciprocal esteem. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 93 



PRINCIPLES OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 

One of the fundamental rules of life, laid down by 
our great Master, is, to "do unto others as ye would 
that others should do unto you." An injunction ema- 
nating from so divine a Source, can not fail to inspire 
every rational being with that sense of social fellowship 
which is due from one created individual to another, 
and must, therefore, elevate his mind to a perfection 
of purity far above the common feelings of life. This, 
we apprehend, w T as the chief intention of our ancestors, 
in guiding them to the attainment and general spread 
of Odd-Fellowship throughout the universe. The 
ordinary obligations of Odd-Fellowship are attached 
to the members of Lodges in their collective charac- 
ter ; but there are some positive and some negative 
duties, arising therefrom, which specially belong to 
such members ; every brother is required to have faith, 
and all the virtues therein composed are to be evinced 
by him. Before entering on this topic, it may be useful 
to notice, generally, the purposes of Odd-Fellowship. 
Odd-Fellowship is the exercise of the social principle 
in matters of common life — the junction of men who 
agree in views, and tastes, and purposes, for their joint 
assistance and united endeavors for providing relief in 
the hour of need. It is not confined to one particular 



94 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

occasion, or limited to one transaction ; it extends its 
advantages to all who recognise each other as mem- 
bers — who rank under one common head; every 
expression of fraternal regard, every participation in 
the enjoyments of friendship, every act of sympathy 
and benevolence, as truly belongs to the principles of 
Odd-Fellowship, as the celebration of a natal day. 
Such ought to be the predominant feature displayed 
in the conduct of all who enter a Lodge-room. In 
truth, if we are strangers to communion with our 
brothers on other occasions, it is impossible for us to 
enjoy it there ; for the mind is not a piece of mechan- 
ism, which can be set going at pleasure, whose move- 
ments are obedient to the call of time and place. 
Nothing short of habitual sympathy, springing from the 
cultivation of benevolent feeling and the interchange 
of kind offices, will secure that reciprocal delight, that 
social pleasure, which are the soul of our communion. 
Our frequent flow of benevolence should not be limited 
to those who belong to the Order alone, but to all our 
fellow-creatures, when time and circumstance give oc- 
casion, in order that we may more cheerfully fulfil 
kind intentions to those who have a more immediate 
claim upon our liberality in the Order; as, if such 
sentiments do not sway our bosoms upon ordinary 
occasions, how can we voluntarily, and without a 
struggle, perform an act of good-will to our individual 
Lodge-members ? And when a moiety is contributed 
with a turbulent spirit, the recipient had much rather 
remain in his penurious state than seek relief from 
such a donor. Thus Odd-Fellowship requires its vo- 
taries to manifest a feeling of benevolence in public 
as well as private ; the one will naturally lead us to 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 95 

perform good deeds toward the other ; therefore, if we 
fail on the one hand, a total neglect and indifference 
will arise on the other. To advance the principles of 
Odd-Fellowship, it is necessary to cultivate and enter- 
tain its foremost purpose, the benign spirit of philan- 
thropy, as regards the welfare of others. Can we, 
without compunction, exercise benevolence to our in- 
dividual relatives, if we exhibit a dereliction of that 
principle for a stranger ? Can we imitate the timely 
compassion of a Samaritan, if we foster the detestable 
feelings of vicious pride and contempt of a Levite? 
" When" — asks Cowper — 

" When was public virtue found 
Where private was not ? Can he love the whole 
Who loves no part ? he be a nation's friend, 
Who is, in truth, the friend of no man there ? 
Can he be strenuous in his country's cause, 
Who slights the charities for whose dear sake 
That country, if at all, must be beloved ?" 

Thus, then, we may conclude that the principles of 
Odd-Fellowship as much depend upon our general 
conduct out of the Order, as our character in common 
life depends upon our energetic fulfilment of disciple- 
ship in the Order. 

A constant provision (which is the great object of 
Odd-Fellowship) against the needs of brethren, is an 
operation and display of principle far more exalted in 
the eyes of all good men than the incidental manifesta- 
tion of charity, under the impulse of a momentary 
sympathy. To lay by a store of bounty for suffering 
and needy brethren, is to treasure up love and happi- 
ness in the heart — is a work of principle far surpassing 
the acts of a temporary compassion ; it is the founda- 
tion-stone on which the sublime structure of Odd-Fel- 



96 

lowship was raised, and finally became the formidable 
edifice we now behold. Nor could a more suitable 
plan be brought into operation, for expressing our filial 
attachment to that portion of mankind whose reci- 
procity of feelings demands our aid. Whatever plan 
might be adopted, we arrive but at one conclusion : 
we are bound by not only the law of nature, but the 
law of God, " not to see any brother have need, and 
shut up our bowels of compassion from him." Odd- 
Fellowship is constructed upon as divine principles as 
those which sway other institutions. Every votary at 
its shrine is expected to love and exalt its precepts — 
to love them for the sake of their excellence — to love 
them for the sake of those benefits which we all, in 
common, enjoy — to love them in this life, for the sake 
of that heavenly communion in which we hope to 
dwell hereafter. Odd-Fellowship is loud in prohibit- 
ing all jealousies ; all rejoicings in the evils of another ; 
all encouragement to vice, irregularities, and vicious 
propensities : it encourages all good deeds, and con- 
demns all frail habits ; it advances man in the social 
scale of life, and retards, by avoidance, him whose 
absolute viciousness requires admonition ; it requires 
us to cherish love toward all mankind, though not 
immediately connected with them : not that it requires 
us to neglect the officers and brothers of a Lodge with 
whom we are directly allied — no, this would be to 
destroy our membership in a particular coterie, and 
lose our social privileges and the peculiar advantages 
therewith attended, in a vague generality of commu- 
nion. The very fact of our entering one particular 
Lodge, intimates our preference for that Lodge, in dis- 
tinction from the rest, and requires our participation 



THE ODD-FELLOWS TEXT-BOOK. 97 

and exertions in its services : still, while such does 
not merge our membership in a vagrant indifference 
to its privileges, we are not to lose our feeling of 
catholicity in the restrictiveness of a general commu- 
nion. Here, Odd-Fellows maintain a visible bond of 
union in the world. An individual unites himself to 
a Lodge, that Lodge is united to other similar bodies, 
and thus has arisen universal association, whose praise- 
worthy efforts to do good is augmented by each indi- 
vidual putting " his shoulder to the wheel." It must 
be remembered that a union with one particular soci- 
ety does not dissociate us from the general body ; we 
are members of a community, though immediately con- 
nected with a particular family ; we belong to a king- 
dom, as well as a city within it, and are not allowed 
to lose either our patriotism in our citizenship, or our 
citizenship in our patriotism. All Lodges are to be 
regarded with the same benevolent feelings which char- 
acterize its uniformity, notwithstanding our intimate 
connection with one of them in particular. In an 
army are many companies, yet one great fraternity — 
" distinct as the billows, yet one as the ocean." So 
with Odd-Fellowship: we belong to a Lodge, yet 
are accountable to the Order for our actions ; and it 
appears but reasonable that one Lodge should recog- 
nise, as a sister, a Lodge similarly consisting of indi- 
viduals acting under the same authority, and seeking 
to promote the same cause. In this spirit, our Lodges 
are allowed to visit each other as brethren, and even 
to receive each other's members as brethren ; they 
Co-operate for the good of the Order, and thus recog- 
nise each other ; they reciprocally seek and render 
advice ; they contribute to each other's necessities, and 

9 



98 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

in various ways are esteem and confidence exhibited 
and expressed. The principles of Odd-Fellowship 
emphatically hold forth, that however useful, and de- 
lightful, and legitimate, it may be to hold communion 
with other Lodges, regular attention to our own is 
obligatory — is indispensable. 

In a word, "universal love to all mankind," and a 
mutual sympathy with the wants of our fraternal breth- 
ren, are the two great pillars that support the laudable 
capital of Odd-Fellowship. Long may they stand; 
long may they remain an impenetrable barrier to rebut 
the attacks of the prejudiced and unprincipled ; long 
may they flourish in the refined sculpture that now 
decks them ; long may they serve as a beacon-light, 
to guide the hesitating and the waverer unto where 
true felicity may be experienced ; and long may they 
prove a source of relief to the afflicted, the needy, and 
the oppressed ! 



OPENING AND CLOSING A LODGE.* 

Previous to the opening of a Lodge, the officers 
and members must be clothed in proper regalia, and 
each take his station or seat. The door must be 

* The method (not the form) of opening and closing an En- 
campment is similar to that of opening and closing a Lodge. 
The Chief-Patriarch requires the officers to specify their duties, 
and he must see that these duties are performed. The High- 
Priest, at the opening and the close, offers an appropriate 
prayer. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 99 

closed ; and the Warden will see that all the brothers 
in the room are " correct." The respective officers 
will then severally state what their duties are ; after 
which the N. G. will remind the brothers of their duty 
as Odd-Fellows and members of the Lodge, and cause 
the Lodge to be declared opened for such business as 
may be lawfully brought before it, and for the diffusion 
of the principles of benevolence and charity. The 
chaplain may then offer the following prayer ; after 
which the business will proceed: — 

" Almighty and most merciful God ! we adore thee as the 
Creator of all worlds, and the righteous Governor of all beings, 
upon whom we are dependent for life and all its blessings, and 
without whose favor no human enterprise can permanently pros- 
per. Lift upon us, we pray thee, O Lord, the light of thy 
countenance, and bless us while we are together this evening. 
May all things be done in the spirit of charity and brotherly 
kindness, and may our labors of love be blessed to the promotion 
of the best interests of our beloved Order. Hear us, O God, in 
behalf of the stranger, the sick, the afflicted, the widow, and 
the orphan, and bless them as thou seest that they may need. 
Keep us ever in thy fear and wisdom, and save us all with an 
everlasting salvation : and to thy great name be all the glory, 
4 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world 
without end.' Amen." 

When the business shall have been finished, the 
brothers will rise at the call of the N. G., and after the 
officers shall have stated their duties at the closing (the 
V. G. having first thanked the brothers for their com- 
pany, and requested it again), the Lodge will be de- 
clared closed until next Lodge-night : after which the 
chaplain may offer the following prayer : — - 

" We bless thee, O Lord, that we have been permitted to 
enjoy this, another Lodge-meeting. Pardon what thou hast 



100 

seen amiss in us ; and now, as we are about to depart, let thy 
blessing be with us, and with all our brethren throughout the 
globe. May brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social 
virtue adorn our lives, while members of this Lodge below, and 
at last may we be admitted to the joys of a better world : and 
thine be the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen." 



DEGREES AND DEGREE LODGES. 

Degree Lodges are formed for the purpose merely 
of conferring the five subordinate Degrees on members 
who may apply for them : their legality is recognised 
by the Grand Lodge of the United States. The time, 
place, and manner of conferring the Degrees, are proper 
subjects for local legislation. They may be conferred 
by the Grand-Master, the D. G. Master of a District, 
or his deputy ; by the Noble-Grand of the Lodge to 
which the applicant may be attached, or by a Degree 
Lodge established for the purpose. But no Lodge 
can confer Degrees upon a member of another Lodge, 
without the consent of the Lodge to which the member 
belongs. The price for Degrees is left to the control 
of the local Grand Lodges. Certificates for Degrees 
must be granted by the subordinate Lodge to its mem- 
bers, by ballot, on the presentation of which certificates 
to the proper officer, the brothers are entitled to be 
instructed in the Degrees named therein. Not more 
than the first three Degrees can be conferred at one 
time, unless the most urgent necessity be shown to 
exist, in which case the Grand-Master of the Grand 
Lodge, or his deputy, may grant a dispensation per- 
mitting the five to be conferred on the same day. 



101 

A Degree Lodge is sanctioned by the Grand Lodge 
of a state, to which it is amenable. Its officers consist 
of a High-Priest, Deputy High-Priest, Secretary, Treas- 
urer, Warden, Conductor, Inside Guardian and Out- 
side Guardian. It is the business of the High-Priest 
and Deputy High-Priest to confer the Degrees. It is 
usually supported by an extra charge of twenty-five 
cents for each Degree it confers, the Lodge to which 
the member belongs always receiving the sum fixed 
upon by the Grand Lodge as the price for Degrees. 
Upon the written petition of five or more Past Grands, 
and five or more Scarlet-Degree members of the Order, 
praying for a warrant to open a Degree Lodge, the 
Grand Lodge may grant the same ; and such Degree 
Lodge will receive its charter and the necessary lec- 
tures and instructions in the same manner as is pro- 
vided for subordinate Lodges. 

No Degree Lodge can admit or retain in member- 
ship any person who is not a regular contributing 
member of a subordinate Lodge, unless it be one 
whose card is in the possession of the Grand Lodge 
or its officers as an applicant for a charter for a Lodge. 

Persons to whom is confided the duty of conferring 
Degrees should be men of known and unquestionable 
ability. They should be able to read and speak well, 
and be capable of impressing the truths they are called 
upon to teach, in a solemn and dignified manner, upon 
the mind of the candidate. They should be rigidly 
accurate in their explanations, and be competent to 
express them so perfectly and correctly as to render 
the slightest mistake or misapprehension impossible. 
9* 



102 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 



SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 

Subordinate Encampments exist by virtue of war- 
rants, or charters, granted by a Grand Encampment, 
or by the Grand Lodge of the United States. Seven 
members of the Royal-Purple Degree, in good stand- 
ing, may obtain a charter for an Encampment.* 

To acquire or retain membership in an Encamp- 
ment, full membership in a Lodge is indispensably 
necessary. Neither can any person become a member 
of an Encampment who has not attained to the Scarlet 
Degree. 

A brother who wishes to propose another as a mem- 
ber of an Encampment, must do so in writing. The 
candidate must be received and admitted in a manner 
similar to that by which a person is admitted to a sub- 
ordinate Lodge: one black ball, however, is sufficient 
to reject him. The fee for admission is seldom or 
never less than twelve dollars, for which the three 
Encampment degrees are conferred. The price, how- 
ever, varies in the several states. 

It is optional with an Encampment whether or not 
to pay benefits to sick members. Most Encampments, 
however, do pay some benefits. The amount varies 
from three to five dollars and upward. On the death 

* Petitions and Charters for Encampments are similar, in 
Form and manner, to those pertaining to Lodges. See p. 55. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 103 

of a Patriarch, also, a sum is appropriated toward assist- 
ing to pay his funeral expenses. 

The elective officers of an Encampment are a Chief- 
Patriarch, High-Priest, Senior Warden, Scribe, Treas- 
urer, and Junior Warden, who are (as are also the 
officers of subordinate Lodges) elected by ballot semi- 
annually. There are several appointed officers (be- 
sides a Sentinel and Guardian), whose duties pertain 
particularly to the assistance required of them at the 
introduction of members : they are appointed semi- 
annually, by the Chief-Patriarch and High-Priest. 

The duty required of the Chief-Patriarch is similar 
to that which is performed by the Noble-Grand of a 
Lodge. 

The duty of the High-Priest is principally to read 
certain lectures pertaining to his office, and to give 
necessary instructions to initiates. He should be a 
man of ability, and of unquestionable morals. 

The Senior Warden is the assistant of the Chief- 
Patriarch, and, in case of that officer's absence, must 
preside over the Encampment. 

The Scribe's and Treasurer's offices are similar to 
those of the Secretary and Treasurer of a Lodge. 

The Junior Warden must assist the Senior Warden 
in the performance of his duties, officiate for him in his 
absence, and perform such other duties as may be 
legally required of him by the Chief-Patriarch. 

The patriarchal branch of the Order is, in the esti- 
mation of many, far more desirable than the initiatory 
branch. Every Odd-Fellow should make it his aim 
to reach the "topmost round of the ladder of Odd- 
Fellowship," the Royal-Purple Degree. No brother 
of good character, however poor he may be, or how- 



104 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 

ever humble, need be prevented from attaining thus to 
the full stature of an Odd-Fellow. 

We can not conclude this subject without expressing 
our earnest hope that the heads and members of the 
Encampments will read our remarks on the duties of 
subordinate-Lodge officers and members, and that, so 
far as they may apply to them, they will endeavor to 
adopt the advice they contain, with the full assurance 
that the more careful and correct we become as Odd- 
Fellows, either in or out of our Lodges or Camps, the 
more prosperous we shall be ourselves, and the more 
useful we shall become to the world. 

The following is the order of business of an En- 
campment : — 

1. Opening the Encampment. 

2. Calling the roll of officers. 

3. Reading the minutes of last session. 

4. Inquiry whether any Patriarch needs aid or sympathy. 

5. Consideration of previous proposals for membership. 

6. Admission of members. 

7. Conferring of Degrees. 

8. Reception of new proposals. 

9. Report of Visiting Committee. 

10. Unfinished business. 

11. New business. 

12. Report of Committee of Finance. 

13. Report of Committee of Correspondence. 

14. Report of Trustees. 

15. Report of Committee of Revision. 

16. Reports of Special Committees by seniority. 

17. Reading of communications, &c. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 105 



STATE GRAND LODGES AND GRAND 
ENCAMPMENTS. 

Three or more subordinate Lodges or Encamp- 
ments, located in any state, district, or territory, where 
a Grand Lodge or Grand Encampment has not been 
established, having seven Past Grands or Past Chief- 
Patriarchs, in good standing, may petition the Grand 
Lodge of the United States for a Charter for a Grand 
Lodge or Grand Encampment; which, if approved by 
a majority of the votes given, will be granted, and or- 
ganized by the Grand-Sire, or some qualified brother 
or Patriarch whom he may appoint for the purpose. 
Such three or more Lodges or Encampments must each 
first appoint one or more of its Past Grands or Past 
Chief-Patriarchs to represent it in a convention, to be 
composed of the several Lodges or Encampments in 
the state, district, or territory, who must consider the 
propriety of applying for a Grand Charter, as well as 
determine on a place or town for the location of the 
Grand Lodge or Grand Encampment. When these 
questions shall be decided (the vote having been taken 
by Lodges or Encampments, and not by the number 
of past officers present in the convention), the rep- 
resentatives must make application in the following 
form : — 



106 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 

" To the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States, 
or the I. O. of O. F. 

" The petition of blank Lodge [or Encampment] No. 1, 
blank Lodge No. 2, blank Lodge No. 3, of blank, respectfully 
represents, that at present they work under warrants granted 
by your right worthy body ; that at present they have blank 
Past Grands [or Past Chief-Patriarchs] in good standing. They 
are of opinion that it would be of advantage to the Order to 
establish a Grand Lodge [or Grand Encampment] in the state 
of blank. They therefore pray your right worthy body to 
grant a Charter for a Grand Lodge [or Grand Encampment] in 
the state of blank, to be located at blank. 

" Witness our hands and seals, this blank day of blank, 1851. 

"A. B., Representative of No. 1. 
" C. D., Representative of No. 2. 
"E. F., Representative of No. 3." 

This petition must be accompanied by the charter- 
fee, which is thirty dollars. 

During the recess of the Grand Lodge of the United 
States, the Grand-Sire, Deputy Grand-Sire, and Grand 
Recording Secretary, are authorized to grant dispensa- 
tions to open Grand Lodges or Grand Encampments, 
which must be submitted to the Grand Lodge for ap- 
proval and confirmation when it next meets. 

The Charter or Warrant for a Grand Lodge or 
Grand Encampment, issued by the Grand Lodge of 
the United States, and furnished to a state Grand 
Lodge or Grand Encampment, is expressed as fol- 
lows : — 

"INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS. 

" To all whom it mat concern : I, A. B., Most Wor- 
thy Grand-Sire of the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order 
of Odd-Fellows, of the United States of North America, and 



107 



the jurisdiction of the Order thereunto belonging : Friendship, 
Love, Truth. 

" Know ye, that by virtue of the powers in me vested, I do 
hereby authorize and empower our trusty and well-beloved 
[C. D. and others] to constitute a Grand Lodge [or Grand En- 
campment] in the city of blank, and state of blank, to be known 
and hailed by the title of blank. 

" I do further authorize and empower our said trusty and well- 
beloved [C. D. and others] to hear and determine, all and singu- 
lar matters and things relating to the Order within the jurisdiction 
of the said Grand Lodge [or Grand Encampment], according to 
the rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge of the United 
States : Provided always that the said [C. D. and others] pay 
due respect to the Grand Lodge of the United States, and the 
ordinances thereof: and provided also that this Dispensation 
shall be approved at the next session of the said Grand Lodge 
of the United States, otherwise to be of no force or effect. 

" Given under my hand, and seal of the Grand Lodge of the 
United States, at the city of Baltimore, in the state of Maryland, 
this blank day of blank, and of our Order the blank. 

[l. s.] " A. B., Grand-Sire. 

" E. F., Corresponding Secretary." 



GRAND LODGES. 

We have previously stated that Grand Lodges are 
the heads of the Order in a state, district, or territory, 
where they may be established, and that they are insti- 
tuted by and are under the jurisdiction of the Grand 
Lodge of the United States. They have the control 
of all the subordinate Lodges under their own jurisdic- 
tions, and enact all laws required for the government 
of such Lodges. They meet either annually or semi- 
annually, for the transaction of business : with one or 
two exceptions, they permit all the Past Grands of 



108 THE ODD-FELLOWS TEXT-BOOK. 

their subordinates the right of speech and vote.* In 
these exceptions the Grand Lodge is composed of one 
or two representatives from each Lodge, each having 
one vote for a certain number of members, and addi- 
tional votes for additional numbers.! 

The Grand Lodge is the supreme tribunal of the 
Order in its jurisdiction. No Lodge can be formed, 
or continue to exist, without its sanction. It has the 
sole right and power to grant or suspend Charters ; to 
receive appeals and redress grievances ; to originate 
and regulate the means of its own support ; and to do 
all other proper acts to promote the interests of the 
Order. 

The elective officers of the Grand Lodge are as fol- 
lows : Grand-Master, Deputy Grand-Master, Grand 
Warden, Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, Grand 
Representatives to the Grand Lodge of the United 
States. 

* Each Grand Lodge consists of all the Past Grands in good 
standing within its jurisdiction ; but by its constitution it may 
restrict its legislative power to such representative basis as it 
may deem best for the proper transaction of business ; but it can 
not abridge the privileges of Past Grands pertaining to their 
rank in the Degrees of the Order, viz. : their right to past-official 
Degrees, eligibility to office, precedence belonging to their grade, 
privilege of attending the meetings of their Grand Lodge, and 
light to vote for Grand Officers. — Digest, p. 43. 

f The Grand Lodge of Northern New York, whose founders 
were the originators of these " exceptions," allows every Lodge 
of less than fifty members one vote, two votes where the num- 
ber amounts to fifty, and one vote for each additional fifty mem- 
bers. One object of the reform intended was a prevention of the 
confusion which might arise in legislation by the rapid increase 
of the Past Grands, who were being admitted as legislators in 
the Grand Lodge of New York at the rate of about six hundred 
annually. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 109 

The appointed officers [appointed by the Grand- 
Master] are as follows : Grand Chaplain, Grand Mar- 
shal, Grand Conductor, Grand Guardian, and District 
Deputy Grand-Masters who have charge of the Lodges 
in counties or other specified localities 

These officers are elected and appointed annually. 

The Grand-Master must preside and preserve order, 
and enforce a due observance of the laws of the Insti- 
tution ; give the casting vote in cases of " tie," except 
in those of the election of officers ; and order the pay- 
ment of moneys. He may grant dispensations for con- 
ferring Degrees on a brother who may require them in 
advance of the ordinary time, and confer official or 
other Degrees in person. He must decide all ques- 
tions of law that may arise during the recess of the 
Grand Lodge ; and he must give such instructions in 
the work of the Order as may be necessary. 

The Deputy Grand-Master must support the Grand- 
Master in presiding, and in his absence fill the chair 
for him. In the event of a vacancy in the office of 
Grand-Master, the Deputy Grand-Master becomes Mas- 
ter for the balance of the term. 

The Grand Warden must assist the Grand-Master 
in conducting the business of the Grand Lodge ; and, 
under the Grand-Master, have special charge of the 
door ; and in the absence of the Grand-Master and 
Deputy Grand-Master, he must preside. 

The Grand Secretary must make a just and true 
record of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge at every 
session, and transmit, immediately after the close of the 
annual session, to the District Grand-Masters and sub- 
ordinate Lodges, printed copies thereof. He must 
keep the accounts between the Grand Lodge and its 

10 



110 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 

subordinates, receive all moneys coming to the Grand 
Lodge therefrom, and pay the same over to the Grand 
Treasurer. He must issue all necessary notices and 
circulars to subordinates, and to the District Grand 
Masters and Representatives. He must provide all 
stationery for the use of the Grand Lodge, and super- 
intend such printing as the Grand Lodge may direct. 
He receives such salary as may be ascertained and 
fixed upon at each annual session. He must, previous 
to installation, give bonds to the three first-named Grand 
Officers, in such form and penalty as they may approve 
of, for the faithful discharge of his duties. 

The Grand Treasurer must receive and take charge 
of the moneys of the Grand Lodge ; pay all orders 
drawn on him by the Grand-Master, under the seal of 
the Grand Lodge; make such investment of the funds 
as the Grand Lodge may direct; keep his accounts in 
such a manner as will exhibit the sources and amount 
of receipts, and by whom paid ; the purposes and 
amount of disbursements, and to whom paid ; have his 
accounts closed up on the first day of blank, annually, 
and submit them to the Finance Committee. He must, 
previous to installation, give bonds to the three first- 
named Grand Officers, for the faithful discharge of his 
duty. 

The Grand Representatives must attend the Grand 
Lodge of the United States, and faithfully perform the 
duties of legislators therein. 

The Grand Chaplain must attend the sessions of the 
Grand Lodge, for the purpose of opening and closing 
with prayer. 

The Grand Marshal must assist the Deputy Grand- 
Master in supporting the Grand-Master in the Grand 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. Ill 

Lodge ; must attend at the installation or organization 
of Lodges ; and have charge of all processions that 
may be ordered or participated in by the Grand Lodge. 

The Grand Conductor must examine the certificates 
of candidates for admission, and introduce such candi- 
dates to the Grand Lodge ; and assist the Grand Mar- 
shal in the discharge of his duties. 

The Grand Guardian must attend the door of the 
Grand Lodge, and permit no improper person to enter. 
At the installation of the officers of Lodges, he must 
have charge of the door of the Lodge. 

The District Deputy Grand-Masters must perform? 
in their several districts, the duty of presiding at meet- 
ings for the transaction of business relating to the mem- 
bers in their localities. In other respects, also, they 
perform the duties of a Grand-Master. They must 
confer Degrees and install the officers of the Lodges. 
They must report immediately to the Grand-Master 
any violation, on the part of their Lodges, of the laws 
of the Grand Lodge or of the Order. 

The revenue of a Grand Lodge is derivable from 
charter-fees and assessments on the subordinates. It 
is appropriated to the purpose of defraying the neces- 
sary expenses of the Grand Lodge. 



GRAND ENCAMPMENTS. 

These bodies have control over the Encampments 
of a state, district, or territory, where they may be 
established. They also are instituted by and are under 
the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the United 
States. Although not subordinate to a Grand Lodge, 



112 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 

yet they can pass no laws excepting such as may relate 
to the government of the Encampments. In all cases 
where precedence is to be observed, they rank below 
state Grand Lodges, which are the supreme legislative 
heads within their respective jurisdictions. 

They usually consist of all Past Chief-Patriarchs 
and Past High-Priests, but in some instances of Past 
Chief-Patriarchs only, within their respective juris- 
dictions. 

The officers of a Grand Encampment are as follows : 
Grand Patriarch, Grand High-Priest, Grand Senior 
Warden, Grand Scribe, Grand Treasurer, Grand Jun- 
ior Warden, Grand Representatives to the Grand Lodge 
of the United States, Grand Sentinels, and Deputy 
Grand Patriarchs for each district. 

All these are elected annually, excepting the Grand 
Sentinels and Deputies, who are appointed annually 
by the Grand Patriarch. 

The Grand Patriarch must preside, and preserve 
order at the sessions of the Grand Encampment ; de- 
cide all questions of constitutional law ; receive and 
act on all complaints which may be made to him 
against his deputies or Encampments ; give such in- 
structions in the work of the Order as may be neces- 
sary ; and grant dispensations to subordinates in all 
such consistent matters as he may deem promotive of 
the interests of the Institution. He has supervisory 
authority over the jurisdiction of the Grand Encamp- 
ment. 

The Grand High-Priest must preside in the absence 
of the Grand Patriarch ; and in case that office be- 
come vacant, he has the full powers of Grand Patri- 
arch for the remainder of the term. It is his duty to 



113 

assist the Grand Patriarch in giving instructions in the 
work. 

The Grand Senior Warden must assist in presiding, 
and in preserving order. In the absence of the Grand 
Patriarch and Grand High-Priest, he must have charge 
of the Grand Encampment. He is the third officer 
of that body : in case of a vacancy in the offices of 
Grand Patriarch and Grand High-Priest, he has the 
full power of the Grand Patriarch for the remainder 
of the term. 

The duties of the Grand Scribe and Grand Treas- 
urer are similar to those of the Secretary and Treas- 
urer of a Grand Lodge. 

The Grand Junior Warden must open and close 
the Grand Encampment according to the regular form. 
He must introduce all new members. 

The Grand Representatives must perform the duties 
of legislators in the Grand Lodge of the United States. 

The Grand Sentinels have charge of the doors, and 
must prevent the admission of any improper person. 

The duties of Deputy Grand-Patriarchs, in the gov- 
ernment of their Encampments, are similar to those of 
Deputy Grand-Masters in the government of their 
Lodges. 

The revenue of a Grand Encampment is derivable 
from charter-fees and assessments on the subordinates, 
and is appropriated to defray necessary expenses. 
10* 



114 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 



THE GRAND LODGE OF THE UNI- 
TED STATES. 

The Grand Lodge of the United States is the 
supreme head of the Order in the United States of 
North America. All Grand Lodges and Encamp- 
ments therein derive their authority from it. It may 
also establish Lodges of Odd-Fellows in any other 
part of the world. A Grand Lodge under its jurisdic- 
tion exists in British North America, and a subordinate 
Lodge in the Sandwich Islands. Grand or subordi- 
nate Lodges under its control exist in every State, 
District, and Territory of the Union, with the excep- 
tion of Utah,* New-Mexico, and. the Indian Territo- 
ries. At Santa Fe, in New Mexico, an application 
has been made for a Lodge, which, at the last session 
of the Grand Lodge of the United States (September, 
1850), was recommended to be granted on receipt of 
the proper petition. 

The Grand Lodge of the United States is a body 
corporate. It was incorporated by the legislature of 
Maryland in the year 1841. 

It is the ultimate tribunal to which all matters of 
general importance to the State, District, and Terri- 

* Wi' hove been informed that there is a Lodge in Utah. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 115 

torial Grand Bodies are to be referred, and its decisions 
thereon are final and conclusive. It possesses the 
power to regulate and control the work of the Order, 
and the several Degrees belonging thereto, and to fix 
and determine the customs and usages in regard to all 
things which concern Odd-Fellowship. 

Its members are, the Grand-Sire, Deputy Grand- 
Sire, Recording and Corresponding Secretaries, Treas- 
urer, Marshal, Guardian, Chaplain, and the Repre- 
sentatives from State, District, and Territorial Grand 
Lodges and Encampments, granted and sustained by 
its authority. The first five-named of these are elected 
biennially, except the G. Corresponding Secretaries, 
who may be elected during the pleasure of the Grand 
Lodge. The Grand-Marshal, Guardian, and Chap- 
lain, are appointed by the Grand-Sire, with the ap- 
proval of the Grand Lodge. These officers may all 
be chosen from the various State Grand Lodges and 
Encampments,* and need not be elected as Repre- 
sentatives, in order to be elevated to the positions of 
officers of the Grand Lodge of the United States : but 
none except the Grand-Sire can vote, and he in case 
of "tie" only. The Representatives must be from Grand 
Lodges and Encampments of the States, etc., and must 
be Past Grands in good standing, who have received 
the R. P. Degree. They must be elected or appointed 
by the Grand Lodge or Grand Encampment they rep- 
resent for the term of two years. They are entitled 

* A candidate for Grand-Sire, or Deputy Grand-Sire, must be 
a Past Grand-Master of a State Grand Lodge, and have received 
the R. P. Degree. He must be nominated by the Grand Lodges 
and Grand Encampments, through their Representatives, by 
whom also the grand officers are elected. 



116 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 

to vote, on all questions before the Grand Lodge, in 
the manner following : Each Grand Lodge or Encamp- 
ment having less than one thousand members, one 
vote ; and each Grand Lodge or Encampment having 
more than one thousand members, one additional vote. 

It is the duty of the Grand-Sire to preside at the 
sessions of the Grand Lodge, to preserve order, and 
to enforce the laws. He has the casting-vote in all 
cases of " tie." During the recess of the Grand Lodge, 
he has a general superintendence over the interests of 
the Order. He must hold no office in a subordinate 
Grand Lodge, or Grand Encampment, while acting as 
Grand-Sire. 

The Deputy Grand-Sire must aid the Grand-Sire, 
by his advice and assistance, and preside in his ab- 
sence. He must also open and close the meetings of 
the Grand Lodge. 

The Grand Secretaries (Recording and Correspond- 
ing) must keep a record of the proceedings of the Grand 
Lodge ; keep accounts between the Grand Lodge and 
the Grand and subordinate Lodges and Encampments 
under its jurisdiction ; write all letters and communi- 
cations ; carry on the correspondence of the Grand 
Lodge ; and perform such other duties as may be 
required of them. The duties of these two officers 
have been for several years performed by P. G. M. 
James L. Ridgely, Esq., of Maryland, whose ca- 
pacity and faithfulness have been such as to deserve 
the admiration and thanks of the brotherhood at large. 
As an evidence of the appreciation in which he is held 
by the Fraternity, it is merely necessary to advert to 
the fact that he has been unanimously elected, year 
after year, by the Representatives of the Grand Lodge, 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 117 

whose constituents have given unmistakable evidence 
of their impression that the loss of his services would 
be a real calamity to the Institution. P. G. Master 
Ridgely has done more for Odd-Fellowship, in these 
United States, than any other brother in the Order. 
He is a man of much intelligence, and of the strictest 
integrity. As long as Odd-Fellowship has a name 
and character (which will be for ever !) he will be 
remembered as its most eminent and competent advo- 
cate and exponent. 

The Grand Treasurer receives all moneys, and 
pays all orders drawn on him by the Grand-Sire. 

The Grand Guardian attends to the admission of 
the members, whom he is required to " prove" before 
he permits them to enter the Grand Lodge. 

There is also a Messenger elected by the Grand 
Lodge, whose duty it is to assist the Grand Secretary, 
and perform such other work as the Grand Lodge 
may require. 

The Grand Marshal, and the Grand Chaplain, must 
perform such duties as are usual to such offices. 

At each annual session of the Grand Lodge, the 
Grand-Sire must appoint in each State, District, or 
Territory (in which there are not a Grand Lodge and 
a Grand Encampment), an officer, to be styled " Dis- 
trict-Deputy Grand-Sire," whose duty it will be to act 
as the special Agent of the Grand Lodge, and perform 
such offices as it may direct. He has a general super- 
vision over all subordinate Lodges and Encampments 
in his district, which work under Charters granted by 
the Grand Lodge of the United States. To qualify a 
brother for this office, he must be a regular contrib- 
uting member of a subordinate Lodge and Encamp- 



118 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 

ment, and must have attained the rank of Past Grand, 
and be a Royal-Purple Degree member. If a Grand 
Encampment has been established in his district, he 
must also be a member of that body. 

The Grand Lodge of the United States meets annu- 
ally, on the third Monday in September, at such 
place as may be designated by itself. A majority 
of the Representatives of the several Grand Lodges 
and Grand Encampments is necessary to constitute a 
quorum for the transaction of business. 

The revenue of the Grand Lodge arises from char- 
ter-fees, dues from Grand and subordinate Lodges and 
Encampments under its jurisdiction, and from the sale 
of books and cards for the use of the Lodges. 

The Grand Lodge of the United States was organ- 
ized February 7, 1821, by a committee of Past Grands 
from Lodges which had been instituted by Thomas 
Wildey, John Welsh, John Boyd, and others, by vir- 
tue of a Dispensation granted to them by the " Duke 
of York's Lodge, holden at Preston, Old England." 
It was then called "the Grand Lodge of Maryland 
and of the United States." Subsequently, on the 22d 
of November, 1824, it was established as the Grand 
Lodge of the United States, and the title " Grand 
Lodge of Maryland" dropped. Thomas Wildey was 
the first Grand-Master ; John Welsh, Deputy Grand- 
Master ; William Williams, Sec'y ; and Thomas 
Mitchell, Guardian. At the session in April, 1826, 
the title of Grand-Sire of the Grand-Lodge of the 
United States was suggested, and in 1828 the Consti- 
tution was revised and this title confirmed. From this 
time the Grand Lodge has increased in importance, 
and in the number of Odd-Fellows within its jurisdic- 



119 

tion, until there are under its control 31 Grand Lodges, 
2,400 subordinates, 27 Grand and 500 subordinate 
Encampments (numbering 20,000 Patriarchs), com- 
prising a membership of one hundred and seventy-eight 
thousand, which is represented in the Grand Lodge 
of the United States by ninety-one votes ; there being 
fifty-eight from the Grand Lodges, and thirty-three 
from the Grand Encampments. 



ORGANIZATION OF LODGES, ETC., AND 
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS. 

Lodges are organized and officers installed by the 
Grand-Master of the Grand Lodge in person, or by 
his Deputy, who must be a Past Grand. He is as- 
sisted by the Grand Officers. If these are not present 
in person, their places may be filled by Past Grands. 
Previous to organization, the brothers applying for the 
Lodge must, agree to conform to and support the laws 
of the Grand Lodge and of the Order. Previous to 
the installation of officers, they must be examined by 
the Grand Marshal, whose duty it is to ascertain 
whether they are competent to fill the offices to which 
they have been elected, and who, if the examination 
prove satisfactory, will present them severally to the 
Grand-Master, who will duly install, or cause them to 
be installed. As each appears for this purpose, the 
Lodge is required to express its satisfaction or other- 
wise of the choice it has made in him, for the informa- 
ation of the Grand-Master, whose province it is to as- 



120 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 

certain whether the election has been regular and prop- 
erly understood. If objection be made to the installa- 
tion of any officer, the Grand-Master will ascertain if it 
be valid, and in case it should, he will immediately 
order a new election, which he will superintend in 
person. After the installation is concluded, the Grand- 
Master will instruct the various officers in their duties; 
and, after having delivered to the Lodge its Charter, 
books, and papers, he must receive (if the Lodge be 
one which has been previously in operation), a correct 
" return" of its membership, its pecuniary condition, 
names of officers past and present, number of Degrees 
conferred, names of brothers suspended or expelled, 
with the causes therefor, and names of persons reject- 
ed, together with the amount of dues to the Grand 
Lodge ; which he is required to forward to the office 
of the Grand Secretary. Such "returns" should al- 
ways be prepared previous to the attendance of the 
Grand-Master for the purpose of installing, so that they 
may be placed in his hands the moment he calls for 
them. Blank forms for this purpose are furnished in 
ample season to all Lodges, by the Grand Secretary. 
The election and installation of officers of Lodges and 
Encampments occur semi-annually, in January and 
July. 



Encampments are organized and installed by the 
Grand Patriarch of the Grand Encampment, assisted 
by the Grand High-Priest, Senior and Junior War- 
dens, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sentinel. The style 
of their organization and installation (not the form) is 
similar to that of Lodges. 



THE ODD-FEI LOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 121 

Grand Lodges and Grand Encampments are 
organized by the Grand-Sire or his deputy. Past 
Grand-Officers of these bodies may install the officers 
elect. Previous to installation, such officers must 
agree to conform to and support the rules and laws 
of the Order as adopted by the Grand Lodge of the 
United States. 



The Past Official Degrees are usually conferred by 
the Grand-Master or his deputy. An officer must 
serve at least a majority of nights of a term, as Secre- 
tary, Vice-Grand, or Noble-Grand of a Lodge, in 
order to become entitled to either of these several 
Degrees. 



Members of Grand Lodges consist of all Past 
Grands in good standing in the subordinates; they 
are admitted on the authority of certificates granted by 
the Lodges of which they are members ; which certifi- 
cates must specify that the brothers holding them 
have been instructed in the five Degrees, and served 
an elective term in the office of Noble-Grand. 

The members of Grand Encampments consist of 
all Past Chief-Patriarchs, and usually of all Past High- 
Priests also, who are admitted on the authority of cer- 
tificates, specifying that such officers have served an 
elective term as Chief-Patriarchs or High-Priests of 
Encampments. 

11 



122 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 



AN ODDFELLOW'S COUNSEL. 

IN NINE CHAPTERS. 



CHAPTER I. 



I. 

Man, in this world of misfortune and care, needs 
Brotherhood. In his hours of darkness and trouble, 
he requires a friendly hand to cheer and comfort him. 

How brief, indeed, is his life ! how rapidly his days 
fly ! Soon he will reach that goal whence no traveller 
returns. In his brief journey, should he not be com- 
forted as well as admonished ? 

We are but shadows, floating for a moment over 
time, soon to be dissipated by the light of eternity. 
How often are we called upon to shed the tear of sym- 
pathy over the grave of what was once great and noble, 
fair and lovely ! How often are the ravages of the 
destroyer beheld amid the busy tribes of flesh and 
blood — perhaps in the very circle of relationship and 
friendship — changing joy into sorrow, the fairest spots 
into the gloomiest wastes, and severing the most en- 
deared and tender associations ! Indeed, man is sur- 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 123 

rounded by innumerable mementoes of his mortality. 
To-day he looks upon the coffin of the smiling infant ; 
to-morrow he sees the youth, in the bloom of life and 
hope, consigned to an untimely grave ; and again he 
follows one, who, after a long pilgrimage through life, 
has sunk, at length, to rest. Upon his own brow is 
stamped the seal of mortality ; and he is ever reminded, 
by the inroads of decay upon his own system, of that, 
time when he shall become a tenant of the tomb. 
"Man cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down; 
he fleeth as a shadow, and continueth not ;" alike in 
the moments of solitude and sadness, when the days 
of other years, and the forms of the departed, long 
buried in the stillness of the tomb, come over the 
mind with the vividness of reality ; and in hours of 
triumph and hilarity, when mirth and festivity are in 
the ascendant, he is checked and dismayed by the 
chilling presage of death, and thinks of the time when 
it shall be said of him, that he sleeps the sleep that 
shall know no earthly waking ! 

Yet death — which is the effect of sin — if we seri- 
ously meditate upon the solemn admonition it affords, 
will teach us that our hearts should foster no evil — 
evil, which is the bane of society, and the fountain of 
all wrong ; the progenitor of crime, hatred, and vio- 
lence, whose fearful consequences must continue to 
afflict mankind, until the coming of that glorious day 
when — 

" The lambs with wolves shall graze the verdant meadv 
And boys in flowery bands the tiger lead ; 
The steer and lion at one crib shall meet, 
And harmless serpents lick the pilgrim's feet; 
The smiling infant in his hand shall take 
The crested basilisk and speckled snake — 



124 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

Pleased, the green lustre of their scales survey, 
And with their forky tongues shall innocently play ; 
All crimes shall cease, and ancient frauds shall fail, 
Returning Justice lift aloft her scale, 
Peace o'er the world her olive wand extend, 
And white-robed Innocence from heaven descend !" 

This will be the era of Universal Brotherhood, 
when the tears and woes of this world will disappear 
before the light of Benevolence and Peace. 

» 
ii 

In the course of years, many solemn changes pass 
before us. Man comes upon the scene of life ; he 
flourishes, prospers, declines, and dies ; but, if he be 
observant, he will see and profit by the lessons of life. 
One of these lessons will teach him that the good man 
will never be forsaken by his God, and that even 
his children will reap the advantages of his conduct. 
Thus, David said that he had been young, and was 
now old ; yet he had never seen the righteous for- 
saken, nor his seed begging bread. 

Friendship, Love, and Truth, practised by man toward 
his neighbor universally, would make a paradise of 
this world. Then, indeed, in the language of Pope — 

" No more should nation against nation rise, 
No ardent warriors meet, with hateful eyes, 
Nor fields with gleaming steel be covered o'er, 
The brazen trumpet kindle rage no more ; 
But useless lances into scythes should bend, 
And the broad falchion in a ploughshare end : 
Then palaces should rise ; the joyful son 
Should finish what his short-lived sire begun ; 
The vines a shadow to their race should yield, 
And the same hand that sowed should reap the field." 



TEXT-BOOK. 125 

Friendship, Love, and Truth, if practised faithfully, 
are a safeguard against the ills of life. If we be actu- 
ated by these motives in all our transactions with our 
fellows, we shall be indeed happy. 

in. 

Good conduct before the world will secure to us 
the esteem of the wise and virtuous. The example 
we show will have an important influence for good or 
ill. Faith and virtue are ever admired, even by the 
bad ; falsehood and vice are despicable, even to those 
who practise them. We must be honest : " an honest 
man's the noblest work of God." In our dealings 
with mankind, and especially with our brethren, we 
should take nothing more than our due; in all things 
we should avoid the very semblance of deception. 
We should be honest to our neighbor by speaking well 
of him — and, if we can not thus speak of him, by 
holding our peace concerning him. The calumniator 
can not be a man of good faith ; he is not to be 
trusted ; he should be shunned as a leprosy. He is 
more to be despised than the thief; for 

" He who steals our purse steals trash ; 
'Twas ours — 'tis his — and has been slave to thousands; 
But he who filches from us our good name, 
Robs us of that which not enriches him, 
Yet makes us poor indeed." 

IV. 

Men are not always what they seem. We may be 
greatly deceived in them. The poor man, with the 
rough, hard hand, and humble garb, may be good and 
11* 



126 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

generous, while another, with the manners and appear- 
ance of what the world calls a " gentleman," may 
be base and mean. We should, therefore, judge 
of men by their conduct, not by their appearance 
or profession. He who possesses a humane and 
a benevolent heart — who is willing to do good to 
his neighbor — who closes not his hand against his 
brother, is a true man, be his situation in life ever 
so humble. 

Love is the remedy for all social evils. It is the 
fundamental principle of all good. We should make 
it our aim, our study. He who loves his God and 
his fellow, and by his actions proves his sincerity, is a 
blessing to his race. 

Man, by his own evil passions, brings himself into 
a state of slavery more bitter than any human bondage. 
If he suffer himself to be led captive by them, he must 
at last be dragged to the lowest depths of wretched- 
ness — misery — despair. He should, therefore, if 
under their control, seek to liberate himself from their 
grasp, ere their hold upon him become so firm that it 
can not be shaken. 

Man gropes his way through life in darkness and 
doubt; his reason and his moral nature are dark; un- 
til he acquires, by virtuous perseverance, a knowledge 
of himself, his duty, and his destiny. Then the light 
breaks in upon him, and he sees clearly the path he is 
required to tread. 

The objects which so often excite men's passionate 
ambition are, when viewed in the light of mortality, 
so insignificant, that the reflecting mind will turn from 

them with disgust. It is far better to be an humble 

•-> 

follower of the path of Virtue than to pursue the 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 127 

ignus-fatuus of Wealth, or Power, or Pleasure. These 
are evanescent and perishable ; they elude our grasp : 
but Virtue, substantial and everlasting, will give us 
present enjoyment, as well as happiness eternal. 



Man is a constituent of one universal Brotherhood, 
having come from the hand of a common Parent. He 
should not, therefore, wrap himself up in self, and 
refuse his good offices to his brother ; for, without that 
brother, what would he be ? what could he do ? No 
human being can be " independent." 

" God never made an independent man; 
'T would jar the concord of his general plan." 

Under the comprehensive influence of Friendship, 
Love, and Truth, all the tribes and kindred of the 
earth may meet and concentrate their energies for the 
good of the race of man. By it, all nations, tongues, 
and creeds, may be brought to comprehend the motive 
for Fraternity. 

Fraternity ! This is our corner-stone. Upon 
its solid basis rests our superstructure. It teaches us 
to regard the great family of mankind as our brethren ; 
children of one heavenly Father, the great Author of 
our existence, " in whom we live, and move, and have 
our being ;" and that we should, in our conduct, reflect 
the image of that Father, after whose likeness Man was 
formed. 

Friendship, Love, and Truth! — fit warriors 
against vice in all its forms ! Friendship prompts 
the contest ; Love's gentle influence will supply the 



128 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

weapons ; Truth will consecrate the effort and lead 
to victory. 

Let us engage in this holy war ; nor cease our bat- 
tle until the world shall be conquered to our cause, 
and induced to enlist under our banner. 



CHAPTER II. 



No man, however poor or despised he may be, is 
entirely friendless. The natural affections never com- 
pletely die : sympathy will at least survive, and prompt 
exertion in behalf of the forsaken. Yet the kindly sen- 
sibilities often become blunted by time, and the heart, 
hardened by selfishness, forgets the tenderness with 
which it was wont to regard the sorrows of the dis- 
tressed. 

Association for purposes of benevolence serve to 
banish selfishness, and to keep alive and active the 
kindly sensibilities of the heart, by enforcing an ob- 
servance of social and humane duties. 



ii. 

We must, if we would be men, be sober, temperate, 
and chaste. The drunkard is a curse to himself, his 
family, his friends, and the world. He renders him- 
self wretched in this life, and unfitted for the life here- 
after. The intemperate man is only one step behind 



TEXT-BOOK. 129 

the drunkard ; if he do not pause, he must shortly 
overtake him. The unchaste man must bring upon 
himself certain disgrace ; he is a scandal to his kind, 
and shall be despised by the good and pure. 



in. 



Benevolence diffuses a lustre at once around the 
benefactor and the object of his bounty ; it is a crown 
of glory to the meek and merciful of heart ; and while 
it challenges the admiration of men, must secure the 
favor of him who said, " Blessed are the merciful, for 
they shall obtain mercy." If there is anything that 
tends to exalt man in the scale of sublime virtue, and 
assimilate him to the Divine character, it is this. Be- 
nevolence does not consist in fair words only — it is 
not a mere name, but a deed — it is a duty to be per- 
formed from principle, and not from the excitement of 
mere pity. It will carry us to the abode of the sufferer, 
and it will seek out sensible, living objects, with the 
purpose and intention of relieving them, because it is 
a duty so to do. 



IV. 



Brotherly Love shall dwell among those who meet 
for purposes of Benevolence. Kindly sentiments for 
each other and for the world shall be enkindled in their 
hearts, and burn brighter and brighter throughout all 
time. If Benevolence, Brotherly Love, and Charity, 
dwell in our breasts, and are exemplified in our lives, 
who can reckon the amount of happiness they shall 



130 

bring? The fraternal relation is one around which 
cluster the best feelings of our nature ; and he who 
becomes duly impressed with a sense of the obligations 
of this relationship can neither be controlled by selfish- 
ness nor indifference. In the sacred chain that binds 
us, whatever link is touched by the hand of Violence 
or Corruption, tenth or ten thousandth, breaks that 
chain alike. Let there be no strife, therefore, between 
us, for we are brethren : yea, let us leave off contention 
before it be meddled with. We profess principles 
which shall destroy the stubble and the chaff of dissen- 
sion, and refine the powers and faculties which consti- 
tute the dignity and glory of man. 

Charity springs from the heart ; it softens the affec- 
tions ; it brings to its dispenser pleasures the most sub- 
lime. The poor and the rich love him ; he is honored 
and respected at home and abroad. His home is the 
mansion of peace, and in all its relations he is blessed. 
He who is actuated by the heavenly influence of char- 
ity — who is deeply imbued with that spirit which not 
only " worketh no ill to its neighbor," but which is 
constantly striving to do that neighbor all the good 
possible — is always pleased with any opportunity that 
may present itself for relieving the destitute. The man 
who has true charity looks upon the world of suffering 
humanity as the objects of his regard and care ; and so 
far as he may have the power or ability to relieve suf- 
fering, he performs the duty with pleasure. 

Nor does Charity aim only at the alleviation of hu- 
man misery. It strives also to prevent unhappiness. 
It watches with anxious eye the threatened ill, and 
throws up its protecting hand to avert the danger. It 
hesitates not to step aside from its ordinary course, to 









^** 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 131 

warn the object of its concern of any evil that may be 
by such friendly warning avoided. It throws its mantle 
over the faults and failings of humanity, and seeks to 
find excuses for those frailties, rather than to hold them 
up to the world's view, to the injury of mankind : for 
it considers that men are at best erring beings, and 
that as such they can not avoid the failings incident to 
poor, weak human nature. In a word, Charity, if its 
impulses were faithfully regarded, would change this 
world of gloom and misery to a paradise ; it would 
lead man to follow that golden rule of doing to others 
" as he would wish others to do to him ;" and thus 
might the whole human family become united in the 
bonds of Friendship. He who practises this charity, 
and teaches it to others, shall be crowned with honor, 
and come down to the grave in peace, with the full 
assurance of a blessed future 



CHAPTER III. 



Mutual relief can be afforded by a union of men 
for the purpose of aiding each other in the time of dis- 
tress, danger, or difficulty. 

A system of mutual relief cultivates the sympathies 
and relieves the woes of men. That shame of depen- 
dence and alms-receiving which tingles in the manly 
cheek, and pierces with sharp agony the heart, is not 
the least of the keen pangs of poverty. Often and long 



132 

will the natural pride of the sufferer lead him to pine 
and consume in secret, before he will let the world 
know the fact that the wan cheek and the hollow eye 
have revealed long before. Yea, at times shame will 
drive a man even to crime. He will not beg, be the 
consequences what they may ; and the fierceness of 
hunger preying upon our tempted, frail nature, will 
nerve to the commission of foul deeds the soul that a 
short time before would have shrunk with horror from 
the idea. A system of mutual relief will prevent this 
crushing misery, and save the victim of it from despair 
and crime. 



n. 



In an association for mutual relief, men of all classes 
and conditions enter into a covenant, or contract, or 
bargain, to help and support, to protect and defend, to 
advise with and admonish each other. 

In this world of trouble and care, such an associa- 
tion is surely needed ; for the strongest, the wealthiest, 
or the most prosperous man, may, in a moment, be 
crushed by adversity. 

There are many pleasing associations in the idea of 
a covenant. God himself has made a covenant with 
man ; he has told us that the rainbow is the seal of that 
covenant ; and he thereby assures us, through the pa- 
triarch Noah, that this earth shall no more be deluged 
by the waters. He also entered into other covenants 
with his people — evidences of his love and regard 
for them, amid their murmurings and disobedience, 
which prove the boundlessness of his goodness and 
mercy. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 133 

Covenants have existed in all nations, among all 
people. We find them in every walk of life. Men 
bind themselves to each other in various business rela- 
tions : nations make treaties or covenants of peace ; 
young men and maidens enter into covenants of mar- 
riage. 

These, however, are mere compacts of business : 
the covenant of brotherhood is one more holy and sub- 
lime ; it is designed to remove the obstacles that inter- 
pose between the hearts of men. 



in. 



David and Jonathan pledged themselves in a cove- 
nant of friendship and love, the history of which is 
most interesting and affecting. David, an humble 
shepherd, without title or honors, and Jonathan, the 
son and heir of a powerful Hebrew king, were bound 
to each other in the equality of friendship by a tie 
which no power could sever. When the envious king, 
who was jealous of David, because of his noble and 
daring exploits, sought to kill him, Jonathan warned 
his friend of his danger, and determined to arrest it. 
" Now, therefore, I pray thee," said he to David, " take 
heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret 
place, and hide thyself: and I will go out and stand 
beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will 
commune with my father of thee ; and what I see, that 
I will tell thee." And Jonathan, in accordance with 
his covenant, did speak well of David to his father ; 
he reasoned with him, and persuaded him, until he 
obtained a promise from him that David should not 

12 



134 

be slain. And he brought David to his father, and he 
was in his presence as in times past. 



IV. 



But the evil spirit of envy and jealousy came again 
over Saul the king, as he sat in his house with his 
javelin in his hand, and he sought to smite David to 
the wall with his weapon. That night David fled to 
his house, where Saul pursued him ; but he escaped 
by a stratagem of his wife, and went to Ramah, where 
he met the prophet Samuel, who accompanied him to 
Naioth, in Ramah. Saul sent messengers after him 
there, and at length went himself, but the Spirit of 
God constrained both his messengers and himself, and 
protected David. 



v. 



David fled from Naioth, and came and said before 
Jonathan, "What have I done? what is my iniquity? 
and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh 
my life?" And Jonathan said unto him, "God for- 
bid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do 
nothing, either great or small, but that he will show it 
me : and why should my father hide this thing from 
me? it is not so." And David sware, moreover, and 
said, " Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found 
grace in thine eyes; and he saith, 'Let not Jonathan 
know this, lest he be grieved :' but truly as the Lord 
liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step be- 
tween me and death." Then said Jonathan unto 
David, " Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 135 

it for thee." And David said unto Jonathan, " Be- 
hold, to-morrow is the new-moon, and I should not 
fail to sit with the king at meat : but let me go, that I 
may hide myself in the field unto the third day at even. 
If thy father at all miss me, then say, * David earnestly 
asked leave of me, that he might run to Bethlehem, 
his city : for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the 
family.' If he say thus, ' It is well,' thy servant shall 
have peace : but if he be very wroth, then be sure that 
evil is determined by him. Therefore thou shalt deal 
kindly with thy servant ; for thou hast brought thy ser- 
vant into a covenant of the Lord with thee : notwith- 
standing, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; 
for why shouldst thou bring me to thy father ?" And 
Jonathan said, " Far be it from thee ; for if I knew 
certainly that evil were determined by my father to 
come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee ?" Then 
said David to Jonathan, " Who shall tell me? or what 
if thy father answer thee roughly ?" 

And Jonathan said unto David, " Come, and let us 
go out into the field." And they went out both of 
them into the field. And Jonathan said unto David, 
" O Lord God of Israel, when I have sounded my 
father to-morrow any time, or the third day, and be- 
hold, if there be good toward David, and I then send 
not unto thee, and show it thee, the Lord do so and 
much more to Jonathan : but if it please my father to 
do thee evil, then I will show it thee, and send thee 
away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the Lord be 
with thee, as he hath been with my father. And thou 
shalt not only while yet I live show me the kindness 
of the Lord, that I die not, but also thou shalt not cut 
off thy kindness from my house for ever : no, not when 



136 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

the Lord hath cut off the enemies of David every one 
from the face of the earth." So Jonathan made a cov- 
enant with the house of David, saying, " Let the Lord 
even require it at the hand of David's enemies." And 
Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he 
loved him : for he loved him as he loved his own soul. 
Then Jonathan said to David, " To-morrow is the 
new-moon : and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat 
will be empty. And when thou hast stayed three days, 
then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place 
where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in 
hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel. And I will 
shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot 
at a mark. And behold, I will send a lad, saying, 
1 Go, find out the arrows.' If I expressly say unto the 
lad, ' Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee,' take 
them ; then come thou : for there is peace to thee, and 
no hurt, as the Lord liveth. But if I say thus unto 
the young man, ' Behold, the arrows are beyond thee,' 
go thy way : for the Lord hath sent thee away. And 
as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken 
of, behold, the Lord be between thee and me for 



VI. 



So David hid himself in the field : and when the 
new-moon was come, the king sat him down to eat 
meat. And the king sat upon his seat, as at other 
times, even upon a seat by the wall ; and Jonathan 
arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place 
was empty. Nevertheless, Saul spake not anything 
that day: for he thought, " Something hath befallen 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 137 

him, he is not clean ; surely he is not clean." And it 
came to pass on the morrow, which was the second 
day of the month, that David's place was empty : and 
Saul said unto Jonathan his son, " Wherefore cometh 
not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday nor to- 
day?" And Jonathan answered Saul, "David ear- 
nestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem : and he 
said, 'Let me go, I pray thee ; for our family hath a 
sacrifice in the city ; and my brother hath commanded 
me to be there : and now if I have found favor in thine 
eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my breth- 
ren.' Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table." 
Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and 
he said unto him, " Thou son of the perverse, rebel- 
lious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the 
son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the con- 
fusion of thy mother's nakedness? For as long as the 
son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be 
established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send 
and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die." And 
Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, 
" Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?" 
And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him : whereby 
Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to 
slay David. So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce 
anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month : 
for he was grieved for David, because his father had 
done him shame. 



VII. 

And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan 
went out into the field at the time appointed with 

12* 



. 



138 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

David, and a little lad with him. And he said unto 
his lad, " Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot." 
And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. 
And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow 
which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, 
and said, "Is not the arrow beyond thee?" And 
Jonathan cried after the lad, " Make speed, haste, stay 
not." And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, 
and came to his master. But the lad knew not any- 
thing, only Jonathan and David knew the matter. And 
Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto 
him, " Go, carry them to the city." And as soon as 
the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward 
the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed 
himself three times : and they kissed one another, and 
wept with one another, until David exceeded. And 
Jonathan said to David, " Go in peace, forasmuch as 
we have sworn, both of us, in the name of the Lord, 
saying, ' The Lord be between me and thee, and be- 
tween my seed and thy seed, for ever.' " And David 
arose and departed : and Jonathan went into the city. 



VIII. 

But Saul, bent on destroying David — for nothing 
could appease his malice or disarm his envious jealousy 
— pursued him still. David abode in the wilderness, 
in strongholds, and remained in a mountain in the wil- 
derness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, 
but God delivered him not into his hand. And Jona- 
than went to David into the wood, and strengthened 
his hand in God ; and said unto him, "Fear not, for 
the hand of my father shall not find thee ; thou shalt 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 139 

be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee, and 
that also Saul my father knoweth." And they renewed 
their covenant before the Lord : and David abode in 
the wood, and Jonathan went to his house. 



IX. 

At length (after David had generously spared his 
pursuer, whom he surprised while he was asleep within 
a trench, unarmed and helpless, and Saul, touched 
with this noble conduct, had acknowledged his sin and 
repented of his folly), when Jonathan fell in battle, 
and death had broken the tie which bound these 
friends so indissolubly together, how deeply was the 
heart of David moved ! " O Jonathan !" he exclaimed, 
" thou wast slain in thine high places ! I am distressed 
for thee, my brother Jonathan : very pleasant hast thou 
been unto me : thy love to me was wonderful, passing 
the love of women /" Ay, "passing the love of women." 
For it was the love of friendship, pure, disinterested, 
holy ; not a passion, but a deep and abiding principle, 
replete with sincerity and truth. In David's breast, 
it did not die with Jonathan's death. It followed 
Jonathan's seed. 



David asked : "Is there yet any that is left of the 
house of Saul, that I may do him kindness for Jona- 
than's sake ?" The reply was, that Jonathan had left 
a son, who "was lame on his feet," and David sent 
for him and brought him to his palace (for he was then 
king of Israel). When the poor cripple, whom per- 



140 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 

haps the world had neglected, came trembling unto his 
father's friend, and fell on his face before him, and did 
him reverence, " Fear not," said the king, " for I will 
surely show thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's 
sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul ; and 
thou shalt eat bread at my table continually." And 
he accordingly directed that Jonathan's son should be 
put in possession of all that pertained to Saul and to 
all his house. " Thou, therefore," said he to Ziba, 
one of Saul's and Jonathan's former servants, " and 
thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, 
and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son 
may have food to eat : but Mephibosheth, thy master's 
son, shall eat bread alway at my table." Now Ziba 
had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Then said Ziba 
unto the king : " According to all that my lord the 
king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant 
do." — "As for Mephibosheth," said the king, "he 
shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons." And 
Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. 
And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants 
unto Mephibosheth. So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jeru- 
salem ; for he did eat continually at the king's table. 



XI. 

In this narrative of the love of Jonathan and David, 
we have a most happy and impressive illustration of 
mutual relief as the result of a covenant. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 141 



CHAPTER IV. 

i. 

The man who will sacrifice his ease, his substance, 
or his life, to serve or save a friend, is truly actuated 
by the spirit of Friendship. There have been those 
who have offered their lives for their friends. There 
was one, also, who, to aid and deliver his persecuted 
race, abandoned all the pleasures and endearments of 
the world, and willingly endured privation, calamity, 
and trouble, through motives of love and friendship 
such as few men have felt or practised. 



ii. 

And God spake all these words, saying, I am the 
Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the 
land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, 
or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, 
or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water, 
under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to 
them, nor serve them ; for I the Lord thy God am a 
jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon 
the children unto the third and fourth generation of 
them that hate me ; and showing mercy unto thousands 
of them that love me and keep my commandments. 

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God 



142 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

in vain : for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that 
taketh his name in vain. 

Remember the sabbath-day to keep it holy. Six 
days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work : but the 
seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God : in 
it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor 
thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, 
nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates : 
for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the 
sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh 
day : wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath-day, 
and hallowed it. 

Honor thy father and thy mother ; that thy days 
may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God 
giveth thee. 

Thou shalt not kill. 

Thou shalt not commit adultery. 

Thou shalt not steal. 

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neigh- 
bor. 

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou 
shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-ser- 
vant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor 
anything that is thy neighbor's. 

hi. 

Our infinite Creator, who is the Soul of all true 
Friendship, and the Source of all good ; who is abun- 
dantly worthy of our love ; and who may rightfully 
command our obedience — is the only proper object of 
our worship. He hath said, through the mouth of his 
servant : "If thy brother be waxen poor, and falter 



143 

in decay with thee, then thou shalt relieve him, yea, 
though he be a stranger or a sojourner, that he may 
live with thee." 

He requires us to sympathize with our brethren in 
distress, and to relieve them in their time of need. 



IV. 

Bright pages of history, like stars beaming out in the 
midst of the dark and stormy heavens, have reflected 
the lustre of Friendship, and exhibited its beauty. 
Who has not felt a thrill of unutterable sublimity when 
contemplating the heroic friendship of Damon and 
Pythias — the melting affection of Jonathan and Da- 
vid — the noble, self-sacrificing love of the great law- 
giver of the Jews, who chose rather to share the 
wretchedness of his despised countrymen, than to 
enjoy the utmost favor of their powerful oppressors? 
How beautiful, amid the havoc of war and the bar- 
barous customs of the ancient world, shines forth the 
inimitable conduct of Tygranes, a prince of Armenia, 
who, when asked by his conqueror, Cyrus, " What 
ransom do you offer for your life ?" replied : " My 
possessions." " What for your wife ?" " My life !" 
was the prompt reply. Penetrated by the magnanimity 
of his conduct, Cyrus released him. On retiring from 
the presence of Cyrus, Tygranes inquired of his wife 
her opinion of the king. "I did not see him," was 
the reply. "Not see him !" cried the astonished prince. 
"No," she replied, "I was so taken up with gazing 
on him who offered his life for my ransom, that I saw 
no one else." 

Friendship is of every clime ; it blooms in every soil 



144 

of earth ; it sheds its sweets amid the snows of Cau- 
casus, and cheers the Greenlander and Esquimaux, as 
they wander forth among their bleak hills and gaze 
upon the cliffs of their ice-bound shore ; it flourishes 
amid the sand-hills of the desert, and strengthens un- 
der a torrid sun ; its beauties are alike developed 
where winter first puts on her robes of snow, and 
where the green livery of summer is longest worn : 
gilding, by its influence, the darkest hours of human 
adversity ; elevating human nature in the scale of 
being ; giving to the social affections their noblest 
impulses ; and alleviating, though it may not be able 
entirely to remove, the disquietudes and calamities of 
life. As old Memnon, touched by the genial light of 
the morning, sent forth spontaneous music, so does the 
human heart, under the influence of Friendship, until 
the soul feels the concord, and yields her functions to 
the enchantment. Its appeal is the voice of universal 
union to the islands of every sea and the inhabitants 
of every land ; and as it sheds its rays, rendered 
brighter by the teachings of that revealed truth which 
is working its healing miracles in the earth, it will 
exhibit new fields of moral beauty, like islands of 
glory in the sea of darkness, sending up a fragrance 
grateful to rejoicing heaven ; and, like the circlets on 
a summer's lake when agitated by a falling shower, it 
shall extend its borders and enlarge its dimensions, till 
it is lost in one vast circumference of light and life, 
that shall gird the earth around, and grasp in its ample 
embrace the universal family of man. This principle, 
in its personal and most extended bearings, we should 
practise. Men of all languages, of all religions, of the 
remotest nations, and of every habit and opinion, are, 





'%$^pp 



145 

by its influence, united together in one indissoluble 
bond of brotherly affection. The wild Arab of the 
desert, the haughty Chinese, the rigid Mussulman, the 
pious Christian, the polished courtier, and even the 
untutored savage, who roams his primeval forests free 
as his own mountain eagle, will, through it, greet each 
other as brothers, and do justice to that title by every 
endearing expression of love and good-will. In a 
word, it makes affectionate companions at home, and 
abroad introduces the stranger to a household of 
brothers. 



CHAPTER V. 



Let us not forget the truths we have been thus far 
taught. Let the memory of them be precious in our 
sight. 

Do unto others as thou wouldst they should do unto 
thee; love thy neighbor as thyself; regard all men as 
brethren : the children of the Creator are, in his eyes, 
equal — from the monarch on his throne, to the beggar 
in his rags — and Universal Love is what he requires. 

The selfishness of mankind needs correcting. How 
many noble spirits have been quenched by the opera- 
tion of the world's selfishness ; how many bold aspira- 
tions checked ; and how much misanthropy and ruin 
produced ! 

To cultivate a generous spirit of kindness — to wake 
up the sympathies and purge the heart from its selfish- 
13 



146 

ness — is the noblest mission in which man can engage; 
and he who would place an obstruction in the way of 
such a pursuit, can never have well learned the lessons 
of Friendship and Love. He who is bound up in the 
iron chain of Bigotry — who is fettered by the influ- 
ence of human creeds — whose head is filled with self- 
conceit — has a heart tame, cold, and indifferent, and 
will neither bind up the wounds of the stranger, nor 
give shelter to the outcast, unless they yield them- 
selves to his dictation. 

Wherever man is found, in whatever situation of 
life, he bears his Maker's image ; he is immortal ; and, 
however poor, or even degraded, he may be, in his 
soul are the signs of human equality. If thou canst 
do aught to promote his happiness, then, or canst 
relieve his wants, do it : it is thy duty. If there be 
a scheme of good, designed to meliorate his condition, 
engage in it with all thy heart, remembering that he 
for whom thou art laboring is thine own Father's son. 
Pause not to inquire his creed or his faith, his title or 
his condition ; but consider, that, with all his errors or 
imperfections, he is thy brother. 

If men would all act thus, how soon would the lost 
communion with heaven be restored, and the reign of 
Love, Peace, and Joy, be perfected on earth ! 

ii. 

Divine Wisdom teaches us to love Mercy and 
Truth — to write them on the tablets of our hearts — so 
that we may find favor and good understanding in the 
sight of God and man. It teaches that the fear of the 
Lord is to hate evil ; that pride, and arrogance, and the 



147 

evil way, and the froward mouth, are to be avoided. 
They that keep the ways of Divine Wisdom shall be 
blessed. They that will hear her instruction, and are 
wise — who watch daily at her gates, awaiting her ap- 
proach — shall find her, and live, and obtain favor of 
the Lord : but they that sin against her, by refusing to 
seek her, wrong their own souls ; and, in hating her, 
shall perish, 

in. 

Love your enemies ; bless them that curse you ; do 
good to them that hate you ; and pray for them which 
despitefully use you and persecute you : that ye may 
be the children of your Father which is in heaven ; for 
he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, 
and sendeth the rain on the just and on the unjust. For 
if you love them which love you, what reward have 
ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if 
ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than 
others? Do not even the publicans so? 

IV. 

Permit not prejudice to control thee in thy dealings 
with thy fellow. 

Blemish not thy good deeds by using uncomfortable 
words when thou helpest thy brother. Shall not the 
dew assuage the heat? So is a word better than a 
gift. Lo ! is not a word better than a gift? but both 
are with a gracious man. A fool will upbraid churl- 
ishly, and a gift of the envious consumeth the eyes. 
Learn before thou speak : before judgment, examine thy- 
self, and in the day of visitation, thou shalt find mercy. 



148 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

When thou hast enough, remember the hungry ; 
and think upon poverty and need. 

Rehearse not unto another that which is told unto 
thee, and thou shalt fare never the worse. Whether 
it be to friend or foe, talk not of other men's lives ; 
and if thou canst without offence, reveal them not. 
If thou hast heard a word, let it die with thee ; and be 
bold — it will not burst thee. 

Admonish a friend ; it may be he hath not done it ; 
and if he have done it, that he do it no more. Ad- 
monish thy friend ; it may be he hath not said it ; and 
if he have, that he speak it not again. Admonish a 
friend ; for many times it is a slander ; and believe 
not every tale. There is one that slippeth in his 
speech, but not from his heart ; and who is he that 
hath not offended with his tongue ? Admonish thy 
neighbor before thou threaten him ; and not being 
angry, give place to the law of the Most High. 



A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jeri- 
cho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his 
raiment, and wounded him ; and departed, leaving him 
half dead. And by chance there came down a certain 
priest- that way; and when he saw him, he passed by 
on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he 
was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed 
by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan [of a 
race which the priest and Levite despised], as he 
journeyed, came where he was ; and when he saw 
him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and 
bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 149 

set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, 
and took care of him. And on the morrow, when he 
departed, he took out twopence, and gave them to the 
host, and said unto him, " Take care of him : and 
whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I 
will repay thee." 

Which now of these three was neighbor unto him 
that fell among thieves? 



VI. 



Justice, temperance, and charity, are the duties of 
all men. We should be just in our dealings with our 
brethren and with the world. We should be industri- 
ous and honest. We should be kind in our demeanor 
to all with whom we have intercourse ; we should com- 
passionate sorrow ; we should bind up the broken heart, 
comfort the disconsolate, and dry the tears of the be- 
reaved. 

We should be temperate. Wine is a mocker, strong 
drink is raging ; and whoever is deceived thereby is 
not wise. The drunkard shall suffer many grievous 
evils, and come to poverty and rags. 

We should be charitable, by doing with promptness 
and alacrity all the good in our power to our fellow- 
men. We should teach charity to others, by both pre- 
cept and example. Charity suffereth long, and is 
kind ; charity envieth not ; charity vaunteth not itself, 
is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seek- 
eth not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no 
evil ; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the 
truth ; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth 
all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth. 
13* 



150 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 



CHAPTER VI. 



The mild and heavenly radiance of Truth will 
light man's steps, through the benighted paths of error, 
to the lustre of unclouded day. 

Truth is that grand virtue which deals plainly and 
honestly in all actions, without disguise, without false- 
hood, and without hypocrisy ; it comprehends all that 
is wise and good ; it is the vital spirit of every commu- 
nity which is well founded among men. Where the 
name of God is sanctified, where his ordinances are 
* duly attended, where good laws are enacted against 
immorality, and those laws diligently executed — in 
short, where that celebrated rule is the standard of 
dealing, that every man do to others as he would they 
should do to him — these people may be truly said to 
execute judgment and seek after the truth. What 
eulogiums does not the world give, and give deserv- 
edly, to the lovers of truth? The man that does good, 
and speaks truth, resembles the Deity, whose essential 
properties are goodness and truth ; when a man has 
acquired a reputation for veracity, his word is taken 
implicitly — it has all the authority of an oath — and 
all receive what he says with a sort of religious re- 
spect. No man is greater in truth than he is in God's 
esteem. 

Truth presents us with a rule to ascertain what Vir- 
tue is, and guides us into its personal possession. 
Virtue is the voluntary homage we pay to Truth, 




/W.';J' 



«*%• 



X 





TMUTJHf. 



TEXT-BOOK. 151 

which thus becomes the basis of Virtue. Truth is 
essentially the only foundation of confidence, and con- 
fidence is the only bond of association among the wise, 
the good, and the intelligent. To it we are indebted 
for the whole sum of happiness enjoyed in time. 

Truth mingles its unclouded perceptions of duty 
with the generous grasp of Friendship and the sympa- 
thizing voice of Love. It is the great law of their 
being and mainspring of their action. Its robe is the 
spotless vestment of sincerity, snow-white and lustrous ; 
it is an attribute of Deity, and has been made attaina- 
ble to man, that his race might be blessed and im- 
proved. Without it, society is like a world without a 
sun. There are the towering mountains, the broom-clad 
vale, the gushing fountain, the broad expanse of ocean 
lifting its foam-crested billows to the embraces of the 
skies, and laving with its waters the golden sands of a 
hundred isles : but over all rests the deformity of dark- 
ness. The mountain has no greenness ; the lovely 
flower and the enamelled vale w T ear the hue of death ; 
the waters sparkle not, and the golden sands on their 
island-gems send forth no lines of reflected light! 
Truth rises like the day-god upon the scene, and every 
object is flooded with beauty and loveliness ; and a 
blessed influence is breathed through every portion of 
society. These three duties — Friendship, Love, and 
Truth — indissolubly joined in the teachings of our 
lessons, furnish the broad foundation upon which is 
erected those extensive plans of relief which distinguish 
associations formed for the purpose of uniting men in 
the bonds of brotherhood. 

How vivid the contrast exhibited between the abodes 
of Error and those delightful habitations where Truth 



152 

reigns in its unclouded beauty, and every tongue and 
every heart sweetly think and speak under the influ- 
ence of its teachings ! United in bonds of kindred 
feelings, Truth is, by every member of this vast and 
happy Brotherhood, loved, studied, embraced, and 
spoken, for ever; and Confidence springs up in the 
soul, and claims its pure mansion as an eternal resi- 
dence. Friendship, twin-sister of Confidence, joins 
hand in hand with deathless grasp ; while Love, with 
links of holy Brotherhood, binds heart to heart in puri- 
fied communion. From heaven God looks down with 
complacency, and sheds over all in rich profusion the 
enduring blessings of his favor. 



ii. 



A Fraternity whose broad foundation is Universal 
Brotherhood ; which opens its doors of relief and sym- 
pathy to all ; which teaches the sacred and sublime 
sentiments of Friendship and Love, and clothes its 
adherents with the dignity of Truth — will be owned 
of Heaven, and shall confer incalculable benefits on 
mankind. 

Let us, then, be true to our professions. Let our 
walk and conversation in life be such that the world 
shall be compelled to acknowledge the sublime theory 
we teach. Thus shall we live in the enjoyment of the 
blessed consciousness of having performed our duty to 
our Maker and our kind ; and when the hour comes 
for us to leave this earth and join the vast Brotherhood 
beyond it, we shall be able to look back upon a life 
well spent, and prepared to meet Him who has taught 



153 

us that love for our brethren here is a duty incumbent 
on the children of one heavenly Father. 



CHAPTER VII. 
I. 

Prejudice imposes upon the minds of men restraints 
which lead to unnecessary ill feeling, and prevent that 
union of hearts which is essential to true happiness. 

Hospitality to the stranger is a duty enjoined by 
God, who teaches us that, as he is the Father of all 
men, we are not to pause to inquire our brother's faith, 
or creed, or nation, before we render him the sympathy 
or aid he may need. 

God's commandments, as delivered by him to Mo- 
ses, embrace every duty required of us by our Maker. 
He who obeys these, may claim to be a true man. 



ii. 

Virtue is the rule by which our lives should be gov- 
erned. " The good alone are great." Virtue can 
never die. It will live and flourish throughout the 
eternal ages of God. When green wreaths shall have 
faded, and glorious monuments of human skill have 
perished — when the weapons of victorious battle shall 
have been broken, and the sound of the poet's lyre 
have died away for ever — Virtue will stand, high 
above all earthly power and fame, the essence of all 



154 

that is good, and great, and glorious. " Virtue alone 
is happiness below." It gives joy which none but he 
who practises it can understand. Its influence is felt 
and acknowledged even by the bad. It will be the 
crown of age, the honor of manhood, the guardian of 
youth ; it will be our guide in prosperity, and solace 
in affliction. It will give us here on earth the truest 
happiness, and prepare us for the future state of being 
to which we are hastening. 



in. 



The patriarchs of old, who dwelt in tents and passed 
their lives in the inculcation of the social virtues, were 
a happy because they were a good people. The world 
would be better and happier were it to practise now 
the simplicity and purity of these simple-minded and 
truly-honest men. They were united as one family : 
no jealousy, discord, or envy, interfered among them 
to make them discontented or miserable. Pride — 
that bane of humanity — had no existence among them. 
Hospitable, generous, loving, and faithful, their exam- 
ple is one which we may and ought earnestly to follow. 

He who succors the distressed ; who gives food and 
rest to the hungry and weary ; who comforts the bro- 
ken-hearted, and raises the fallen, shall enjoy a pleas- 
ure far more desirable than wealth, or power, or fame. 

If our brother offend us, let us remember that he is 
weak and erring, like ourselves, and that it is far better 
to treat him kindly, and to tell him of his fault in the 
spirit of friendship, than to rise up against him in the 
spirit of hatred, and attempt to crush instead of to 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 155 

reform him. Tf he repent, let us forgive him. " To 
err, is human ; to forgive, Divine." 

He who will not act thus is no true Odd-Fellow. 
He may dwell among us ; he may be elevated to the 
highest rank ; he may be regarded as rich, or wise, or 
talented : but none of these can make him an Odd- 
Fellow in the true meaning of the title. If he be, as a 
man, implacable and malicious, he can not be a friend 
or a brother. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



" All things whatsoever ye would that men should 
do unto you, do ye even so unto them." 

Shall a man, a unit in the universal kingdom of 
God, stand aloof from his fellow-unit because he may 
not be of the same faith or nation as himself? Nay! 
The question must not be, " Is he a Christian, or is 
he a Jew, or a Mohammedan ? is he a European, or 
an American, an Asiatic or African ?" but, " Is he a 

MAN AND A BROTHER?" 

Human prejudice and intolerance are and have ever 
been the causes of more misery in the world than all 
other evils combined. Be it our duty to destroy their 
power, by asserting and maintaining the high birthright 
of humanity — by regarding and treating our brother 
as our equal, the child of our own benevolent Father, 
created in like form and bearing the same image as 
ourselves. 



156 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 



II. 



Let us "be just, and fear not." Let us be honest. 
Let us never hesitate to avow our principles. Let not 
fear of man induce us to falsehood. Conscience should 
be permitted always to govern us ; and as it directs, so 
should we ever act. 

The evils that afflict our brother should be regarded 
as in a measure our own. If we injure him, we shall 
also injure ourselves. Whatever directly affects a 
member of the body, must remotely affect the entire 
structure. Man's misfortunes are our misfortunes, and 
his sufferings are ours. 



in. 

Mankind are divided into numerous sects and par- 
ties, each of which holds opinions peculiar to itself; 
and, however absurd, or even ridiculous, each may 
seem to the other, its adherents are mostly sincere and 
firm in their belief. The Christian's faith in Christ is 
not more earnest and positive than the Jew's in his 
expected Messiah, the Mohammedan's in his prophet, 
or that of the Chinese in the object he worships as a 
representation of the Deity. All these, though holding 
opinions the very antipodes of each other, are satisfied 
that they are correct, and can produce arguments in 
support of their theory, which, in the estimation of 
those who practise it, are clear and conclusive. 

Christendom is itself divided into scores of sects 
and parties, many of which, though they profess to 
agree on the most important principles of Christianity, 



157 

are so heartily opposed to each other, that they are in 
constant controversy ; and to the disgrace of that pure 
and peaceable spirit of love by which they claim to be 
governed, they too often conduct their disputes with a 
bitterness and rancor that would much better become 
the men of " the world" than the servants of One whose 
gentleness and forbearance were among the most prom- 
inent characteristics of his eventful career on earth : 
for he not only exhibited in his own person the utmost 
forbearance toward those who were opposed to him, 
but gave the most positive directions to his followers 
to love even their enemies, and to extend to all men 
the rights which they claimed for themselves. 

As no two countenances among the thousand mil- 
lions of the race of man now on earth are alike, so 
perhaps no two in this vast multitude of minds think 
alike. Difference of opinion, on religious subjects es- 
pecially, has always existed, and will be likely to con- 
tinue to divide the hearts of men until the reign of the 
sublime principle of Universal Brotherhood shall have 
been established on earth. Should we despise our 
brother for this " difference" ? Nay ! for he has the 
same right as ourselves to the enjoyment of his pecu- 
liar opinion, and may maintain it in opposition to the 
opinions of the whole world. 



IV. 



" Gob is no respecter of persons." St. Peter said 
to Cornelius and others who had assembled to hear 
him : " Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a 
man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one 

U 



15S THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 

of another nation ; but God hath showed me that I 
should not call any man common or unclean." God 
had exhibited to Peter, in a vision, that what He con- 
sidered as worthy of regard, man should not shun or 
despise. He had taught him, in a manner which, as a 
Jew, he could not misapprehend, the sacred principle 
of Toleration. 



When the golden rule shall have exerted its power, 
and obtained its dominion over the world, men of all 
creeds and nations shall sit together in love, and the 
light of knowledge and of pleasure shall shine around 
and about them. Then the descendants of Abraham, 
and the followers of the Crescent, and the worshippers 
of Christ, shall commingle in one happy family, know- 
ing no diversity of faith or creed. Then a calm repose 
shall have come upon the elements of strife : " no sigh 
nor murmur the wide world shall hear," and the tears 
of sorrow shall be changed to those of joy. Then shall 
man hail his brother with fraternal greetings : then 
shall Falsehood be driven from the earth, and the race 
of Adam form a universal band of Brotherhood : then 
shall one law — and that the law of Love — bind the 
nations by a golden chain which no power of darkness 
can ever break asunder. 



VI. 

Let us exert our utmost endeavors to hasten this 
most desirable period. Let us conquer the world to 



THE ODD-FELLOWS TEXT-BOOK. 159 

its own peace, by compelling it to aid us to establish 
the glorious reign of the Golden Power. 

The globe is the field of our labor. We should not 
pause in our efforts until the whole world shall be 
made happy. We should carry our Benevolence and 
Friendship into every corner of the wide earth, and 
into the remotest islands of the sea. 



CHAPTER IX. 



We live in a world of change, of sorrow, and of 
pain : the emblems of decay and death are thick around 
us ; the stout arm of roseate health falls powerless be- 
fore the ravages of disease. The strong and the mighty, 
who to-day " laugh at the shaking of a spear," and defy 
the tempest and the storm, may to-morrow be as help- 
less as the puny infant on its mother's breast. He 
who stands forth, nerved to toil, with the bloom on his 
cheek, vigorous as the oak of Bashan, may soon " fade 
as a leaf." We are subject to sickness, to misfortune, 
and to death. 

But we must struggle on, though beset with danger, 
toil, and strife, through the wilderness of this world, 
to our destiny. Let us therefore be stout of heart, 
and determine, through faith and energy, to overcome 
the obstacles that lie in our path. Let not fear or dis- 
couragement cause us to turn back, after we shall have 
once entered upon our journey. Let us take Honesty 



160 THE ODD-FELLOWS TEXT-BOOK. 

for our guide : however rough or uncouth he may 
seem, or whatever abuse may be heaped upon him by 
those who love him not, if we cling to him and follow 
him, he will assuredly bring us at last to a peaceful 
and pleasant abode. 

ii. 

Life's journey is indeed eventful. It is full of diffi- 
culties. We must beware how we proceed in it. 
We must take the true path, as pointed out by our 
guide. Straight is the gate, and narrow the way, 
that leadeth to life : alas ! there be comparatively 
few that go that way ! — but along the broad path that 
leadeth to destruction, what multitudes rush ! Yet, 
throughout and at the end of the one are peace, and 
joy, and pleasure ; while in the other, beautiful though 
it may seem to the eye, are turmoil, and sorrow, and 
pain. Death in its most frightful shapes — not physi- 
cal, but moral death — lurks constantly by the wayside ; 
and the fiends of darkness skulk at every turn, to lead 
and drag their victim to ruin and despair. Brother ! 
take the narrow path ; it will lead thee to bliss : pursue 
not the broad road, enticing though it be ; it will lead 
thee to perdition. Follow thou thine honest guide, 
who will shun the siren way as he would the pestifer- 
ous breath of the fiends of hell ! 



in. 

The road through which thou art journeying may 
be a rough one. Difficulties may crowd around thee 
to impede thy progress. The path may be filled with 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 161 

obstacles that would intimidate a weak spirit. Indeed, 
at times, it may be a cheerless and dreary way. It 
may be, even, that in following it, poverty and want 
shall beset thee : but keep up thy spirit ; look not at 
present ease, which is but for a moment, but rather at 
future rest, which shall be everlasting. Turn not to 
the right hand nor to the left ; make no false step in 
thy career ; avoid the darkness of error : be thou a 
true man, and act as such. 



IV. 

Brother ! if thy heart be stout and thy faith bold, 
thou shalt make thy way to the glorious goal thou seek- 
est. Yet, the farther thou proceedest on thy journey, 
the more the energies of thine enemies will be put 
forth to entice thee to thy ruin. The pleasures of the 
world, in the forms of Mirth and Revelry, of Wine and 
Woman, of Pride and Ambition, of Wealth and Power, 
of Worldly Fame and Glory, will be presented before 
thee in their most tempting blandishments. Oh, heed 
them not ! they will afford thee an uncertain and brief 
pleasure, and forsake thee in thine hour of greatest 
need. They will leave thee when thou shalt most 
require consolation, and abandon thee to a repentance 
that shall be too late to serve thee, and a despair that 
shall be full of horror ! 

Thy time, indeed, is too brief to permit of thy de- 
laying to dally with the pleasures that surround and 
entice thee. Behold how soon the years are gone ! 
behold how rapidly thou art travelling ! The light of 
life with thee is already waning — soon thou must ter- 
minate thy journey. 

14* 



162 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 



Brother ! cheer thee ! Thou hast done well ; thou 
art far on thy toilsome way. The impediments and 
the incitements thou hast overcome are in the distance ; 
thank Heaven ! thou hast pressed nobly through them. 
But, alas ! how many, ere they come thus far, sink 
under the difficulties, or embrace the sirens that crowd 
thick about them ! Thou mayst indeed " thank God 
and take courage." Thou hast learned and attained 
much through perseverance and firmness. Thy prog- 
ress now shall be more calm : thy foes shall abandon 
thine as a hopeless case. Thou hast passed the criti- 
cal point, and shalt henceforth proceed more safely. 
So is it with all who commence this journey betimes ; 
who set out early for the goal of Virtue and of true 
Happiness : the longer they delay, the greater the dan- 
ger that they shall perish ere they shall attain to the 
point to which thou hast arrived. Thou mayst not 
know all that is yet before thee. Thou shalt feel 
nevertheless, in the midst of thy darkness, that thy 
Father will not forsake thee. And though a storm 
more fearful than any thou hast yet encountered — that 
of physical death — shall soon burst upon thee, the 
hand of God Almighty, which has sustained thee thus 
far, will protect thee amid that storm, and thou shalt 
come up through it with joy and gladness to the land 
of eternal delight. 

In that glorious Rest, thou shalt behold the innu- 
merable hosts who have travelled this path before thee. 
Thou shalt join " the Patriarchs of the infant world," 
and mingle thy voice with theirs in the music of the 
angels. Thou shalt dwell in the presence of the Most 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 163 

High, whose smile is heaven. Throughout the eter- 
nal ages of Jehovah thou shalt be the associate of 
angels and just men made perfect, in a land where, far 
more than in this, Faith and Truth are lovely and 
divine. 

VI. 

Whoever travels the road that we have thus de- 
scribed, must expect to be ill treated by the world. 
The wicked and perverse are ever ready to sneer at 
and discourage the good and the true. Yet we must 
endure this contumely with patience ; we should rather 
pity than despise the benighted beings who treat with 
scorn the dignity of virtue. Are they not objects of 
pity? They are pursuing the false and flattering 
charm of earthly pleasure, which, when they attempt 
to grasp it, vanishes from their presence. Frail mor- 
tals that they are, knowing not what a day or an 
hour may bring forth, encompassed with peril on every 
side, with the seeds of disease implanted in their na- 
ture, and the very air they breathe impregnated with 
death — fading as a leaf, and passing as the shadow 
that fleeth away — let us force them from the frightful 
precipice on which they are standing, and, by the 
power of friendship and love, compel them to fly from 
their impending danger, ere it be too late for ever. 

VII. 

Brother ! let the character and conduct of the Pa- 
triarchs of old, as exhibited in the Bible, be thy study, 
and, in all their good deeds, be thou their imitator. 
They were, amid the idolatry and temptation which 



164 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

surrounded them, sincere worshippers of the God 
whom thou shouldst also adore. Amid the base cor- 
ruptions of the world, that beset them on every hand, 
they were ever true and faithful to him : so shouldst 
thou be. They were devoted to all that was worthy 
of frail man's consideration : so oughtest thou to be. 
They lived not alone for themselves, but for their age 
and for their race in all future time : so shouldst thou 
live. The possession of virtue such as theirs is far 
preferable to all the power or glory that this world 
might bestow. It will afford thee higher and truer 
pleasure than could be derived from the possession of 
the wealth and the honor that all the money or earthly 
fame of a thousand worlds like this could heap upon 
thee. Follow, then, their example, and, like them, 
be wise, and good, and happy. 

VIII. 

Trust God with the most unfaltering confidence. 
Thou mayst do so unhesitatingly : the patriarchs trust- 
ed him, and were never once deceived. Brother, let 
thy Faith be firm and steadfast, and no good thing 
will thy Father withhold from thee. Thou shalt not 
ask in vain : He will hear and answer thee when thou 
entreatest his aid and presence. Do thou sacrifice 
thine own will on the altar of truth and confidence, 
and in the spirit of Faith approach thy Maker, and 
thy days shall be sweet and precious ; thy peace shall 
flow like a river ; thou shalt be blest in thy dovvnsit- 
ting and thine uprising, at thy labor and at thy home, 
and no ill of life, however afflicting, shall disturb thy 
mind's repose. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 165 



IX. 

" Faith," says St. Paul, " is the substance of things 
hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it 
the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we 
understand that the worlds were framed by the word 
of God, so that things which are seen were not made 
of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered 
unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by 
which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God 
testifying of his gifts ; and by it he being dead yet 
speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated, that he 
should not see death ; and was not found, because God 
had translated him ; for before his translation he had 
this testimony, that he pleased God. But without 
faith it is impossible to please him. By faith Noah, 
being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved 
with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house ; 
by the which he condemned the world, and became 
heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith 
Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place 
which he should after receive for an inheritance, 
obeyed ; and he went out not knowing whither he 
went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, 
as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with 
Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same 
promise ; for he looked for a city which hath founda- 
tions, whose builder and maker is God. By faith 
Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac. By 
faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things 
to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, bles- 
sed both the sons of Joseph ; and worshipped, leaning 



166 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he 
died, made mention of the departing of the children 
of Israel ; and gave commandment concerning his 
bones. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, 
refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter ; 
choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of 
God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season : 
by faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the 
king ; for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 
By faith the Israelites passed through the Red sea, as 
by dry land, which the Egyptians essaying to do were 
drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, 
after they were compassed about seven days. And 
what shall I say more ? for the time would fail me to 
tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and 
of Jephthae, and of David also, and of Samuel, and 
of the prophets ; who through faith subdued kingdoms, 
wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the 
mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped 
the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made 
strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the 
armies of the aliens. Women received their dead 
raised to life again : and others were tortured, not ac- 
cepting deliverance ; that they might obtain a better 
resurrection : and others had trial of cruel mockings 
and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprison- 
ment : they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, 
were tempted, were slain with the sword ; they wan- 
dered about in sheepskins and goatskins ; being desti- 
tute, afflicted, tormented : (of whom the world was not 
worthy :) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, 
and in dens and caves of the earth." 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 167 



AN ODD-FELLOW'S COUNSEL 

[con cluded.] 



No man can reflect upon his admission to the mys- 
teries of Odd-Fellowship, and his advancement through 
its various degrees, without feeling the force of the 
truth that "Virtue alone is happiness below." When 
we speak of virtue here, we use it as a generic term, 
including every disposition and every duty inculcated 
at our altars. 

We have endeavored, in the preceding pages, to lay 
before our brethren of the Order a synopsis of the great 
principles of our institution, and the duties we are, as 
Odd-Fellows, pledged to practise. Never, we trust, 
will subjects less ennobling displace from our ritual 
these rich teachings — never may the foul footsteps of 
a recreant Odd-Fellow pollute our temple — never may 
its walls echo to the voice of violated obligations and 
slighted vows ! 

Brethren, the task imposed upon you, while it is 
honorable and dignified, is responsible and arduous ; 
and it is only by an observance of those rules, which 
our founders in their wisdom have ordained, that you 
will acquit yourselves in such a manner as to obtain 
the approval of each other and the approbation of your 



168 

own hearts. To effect a consummation so devoutly 
wished, cultivate temperance ; shun as the second 
death the intoxicating draught — it may do harm — it 
can not do good. Odd-Fellowship most impressively 
forbids intemperance ; the public voice demands ab- 
stinence ; benevolence unites with public opinion, and 
duty commands obedience. No Odd-Fellow can be 
intemperate without violating his engagements, and no 
Lodge can retain in her bosom a member guilty of in- 
toxication, without shamefully violating that truth to 
the maintenance of which we are all pledged. 

Another important prerequisite to the performance 
of the duties required of us, is chastity of mind ; and 
here we would enjoin the repudiation of all licentious 
pursuits. No unchaste mind can realize the duties of 
Friendship, experience the lofty emotions of Love, or 
discharge the obligations of Truth. In this connec- 
tion we may refer to that unbecoming practice so to- 
tally disreputable to Odd-Fellows, profane swearing, 
as a fruitful agency in destroying chastity of mind. — 
Confessedly an idle habit, by indulgence it becomes 
fixed, the name of God is profaned wantonly, and the 
ear of decency shocked by the blasphemy. No true 
Odd-Fellow should thus act : how can he, when he 
remembers his duty to his God, and that the All-see- 
ing Eye is fixed upon him ? If any should so far for- 
get his duty as to indulge in these things, we should 
caution him of his danger ; and if he still persist in a 
course of evil, regardless of his duty, " let him be as a 
heathen man and a publican :" yet let us do our duty 
— and from his broken and disregarded vows shall 
arise a voice, loud as the seven-fold thunder, proclaim- 
ing to his recreant heart, " Remember thy end!" 



169 



ii. 



What is the object of Odd-Fellowship, and what is 
the influence it should exert upon us ? We need not 
be told that its chief object is charity. But charity, in 
a pecuniary sense, is, in our view, one of the least im- 
portant of its objects. It has higher aims ; it has no- 
bler ends. It cultivates the charities of life. Its ten- 
dency is, to remove the barriers which an artificial 
society has thrown around its members ; to tear away 
the film of repulsion which we find to exist in the 
world, and to make us feel and act toward each other 

as BRETHREN. 

The causes that have been at work to separate man 
from his neighbor are various. They seem to have 
existed since the fall of our first parents, and are co- 
eval with the existence of sin. Jealousies, heart- 
burnings, and contentions, which were first exhibited 
in the factious spirit of Cain, have ever since existed, 
and still are found in the bosoms of all the children of 
earth. " Mountains interposed have oftentimes made 
enemies of nations that had else, like kindred drops, 
been mingled into one." Do we not speak truly when 
we say that a state of warfare is an unnatural condition 
of man ? Men were not born to be enemies to each 
other. For God is not an enemy to man. The fair 
and beautiful earth, the glorious sun, the moon, the 
stars, the seasons — all, all speak to us of Love : — 

"From harmony, from heavenly harmony, 
This universal frame began : 
From harmony to harmony 
Through all the compass of the notes it ran, 
The diapason closing full, in man !" 
15 



170 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 

When we meet together, week after week, and month 
after month, to engage in the business of Odd-Fellow- 
ship, do we not feel our spirits softened, our rougher 
natures smoothed ? Do we not feel the influence of 
Friendship and of Love stealing over us, binding us 
by the holiest ties to each other and to itself? But it 
is not the only tendency of Odd-Fellowship to cultivate 
the charities of life. There is another principle incul- 
cated by our Society, of more importance than any we 
have yet considered. Friendship and Love may be 
ranked among the charities of life, and they form but 
two of the links in the Odd-Fellows' chain. It is only 
by the addition of Truth that the chain is made 
perfect. 

We remark again, therefore, that Truth is one 
of the most important principles of Odd-Fellowship. 
" Truth," it has been said, " lies in the bottom of a 
well." It might be said with equal propriety that it lies 
upon the top of a high mountain, or in some other place 
equally inaccessible to man. It is indeed a commodity 
rarely to be met with in this world of ours. But among 
Odd-Fellows it comes up from the bottom of the well ; 
it comes down from the mountain's top ; it takes up its 
abode in the Lodge, and dwells here as our continual 
companion. May the time never come when it shall 
cease to dwell among us ! Let its presence be cher- 
ished here. Let not the sacred chain be broken. 



Seize upon Truth where'er 'tis found — 
Among your friends, among your foes ; 
On Christian or on heathen ground, 
The flower 's divine, where'er it grows ; 
Neglect the prickles, but assume the rose.' 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 171 

As Odd-Fellows, we should be sincerely wedded to 
the Truth. In the present state of society, we must 
expect to find her a portionless virgin, and we must 
take her for herself alone. Let the contract be to love, 
cherish, and obey her, not only until death, but beyond 
it. For our union with Truth shall survive, not only 
Death, but Time, the conqueror of Death. As Odd- 
Fellows, therefore, we must be sincere adorers of the 
Truth. So shall we be above all present things ; we 
shall stand firm in the midst of temptation ; w T e shall 
be frank and free in the minds of treachery. And if 
we should be decried as a bad bargain by those that 
want to purchase us, it will only be because we are 
not to be bought. 

Closely allied to Truth is the spirit of self-trust — 
self-confidence — the spirit of independence. We 
should think for ourselves in all things. We should 
be distrustful of the opinions of men. True wisdom 
lies in the holy of holies, in the temple of Knowl- 
edge ; and Doubt is the vestibule that leads unto it. 
Luther began to doubt the infallibility of the pope. 
Copernicus and Newton doubted the false systems of 
others before they established a true one of their own. 
Columbus differed in opinion from all the Old World be- 
fore he discovered a new one ; and Galileo's terrestrial 
body was confined in a dungeon because he doubted 
the existing theories of astronomy, and asserted the 
motion of the celestial bodies. Let lis never yield to 
the tyranny of opinion. Let the mind ever be kept 
free. Let us be patient and careful searchers after 
Truth. Should all others forsake her, we will not 
forsake her. Should she be temporarily crushed to 
earth, she " shall rise again." If, like Galileo, we 



172 

shall be confined in a dungeon for saying that the 
world goes round, we will cry out through the key- 
hole, " The world goes round still !" 

We do not sufficiently cherish the freedom of the 
soul. We are too apt to receive our opinions at sec- 
ond hand ; to be content with the opinions of others, 
and with the researches of other men. We should 
take the mysterious divining-rod into our own hands, 
and become diligent and faithful explorers throughout 
all the wide domain of science, of politics, of litera- 
ture, of morals, and of religion — if by any means we 
may search out and embrace the beautiful, the true, and 
the good, of human life. 



in. 

The duties which Odd-Fellowship enjoins upon her 
children are these : she teaches them to be good citi- 
zens ; to be obedient to the civil power ; to cultivate the 
social duties ; to be good husbands, fathers, brothers, 
friends. She teaches them not to regard mere external 
appearances, which all Odd-Fellows know are often de- 
ceptive, but to judge of the character of men by their 
actions, by their conversation, " by their fruits." She 
teaches a reverence for humanity. She tells us that 
"Man" is a greater name than " President" or "King." 
Though his back may be ragged, his hands hard, and 
his countenance sunburnt, yet, inasmuch as he possesses 
the human face and form, insomuch does he partake of 
the Divinity: and if his character is unsullied and his 
morals fair, we take him by the hand and hail him 
brother! We disregard the factitious distinctions of 
rank and privilege which station confers, and judge of 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 173 

men by the only true standard, their intellectual and 
moral character. This is the voice of Nature ; it is 
the voice of God. It must be gratifying indeed, to 
those who are now members of our Order, to look 
back upon its earlier years, and witness the small be- 
ginnings from which all our present greatness has 
sprung. We were once small and weak ; we are now 
great and powerful. We number in our ranks a fair 
proportion of the intellect, the talent, and the wealth 
of our country. We have brushed away the rising 
tear from many a widow's eye and from many an 
orphan's cheek. We have healed the broken heart. 
We have bound up the bruised soul. When the spirit 
of the widowed mother has been borne down to the 
earth, crushed by the weight of accumulating sorrow — 
when her last prop and support has been removed, and 
the tenderest tie that bound her to earth has been sev- 
ered — the friendly hand of Odd-Fellowship has raised 
her up again. 

Our Order is a living witness that the earth is not 
all a moral desolation. It has green spots scattered 
here and there over its surface. And in the wilder- 
ness of the world there is no brighter spot, there is no 
lovelier oasis amid the desert, than the Independent 
Order of Odd-Fellowship. 

IV. 

The benefits of our Order are yet to be enlarged ; 
its sphere of usefulness extended ; its roots will be 
planted broader and deeper in our country. The 
spread of Odd-Fellowship will be but the spread of the 
principles of benevolence, and charity, and love. It 
15* 



174 



will be but another step in the civilization of our race 
Let the members of the Order, not forgetting thfe 
principles of benevolence, turn also their attention 
somewhat to the pursuits of the Scholar. For it is 
he that is the excellency of his country, the beloved 
of his race, the happiest of men. His vocation does, 
indeed, lead him directly to the holy ground, where 
other men's aspirations only point. Let us not only 
be pioneers in the world of morals : we may become 
intellectual backwoodsmen, ever upon the outskirts of 
the empire of the mind, reclaiming continually from 
the wilderness new fields for the display of the genius 
and the intellect of man. Let us become acquainted 
with our thoughts ; let us cherish the soul, and our 
faculties will rise up within us full and fair, like the 
forest-oak, or the magnolia-grandiflora of the sunny 
south. Let us enjoy the private, sincere, divine expe- 
riences of the scholar. Let noble, manly thought be 
ours. Let us study the lessons of human life ; catch 
and keep the harmonious strain of upper music that 
peals from it. Let us worship the immortal divinities 
who whisper to the poet and the scholar, and make 
each the utterer of melodies that pierce the ear of 
eternal time. 



v. 

Above all, let us love one another* This is the 
Divine command, and it is the command of Odd-Fel- 
lowship. Let us be, truly and sincerely, Brothers. 

"Brother!" Beautiful word! and how pleasant 
when kindly spoken ! How much of love is bound 
up in those seven letters ! how the human heart hu^s 



175 

the heavenly sound ! Surely it has a peculiar fitness 
to symbolize pure affection. Blessed be the lips that 
first uttered it ! and let the wretch never be known 
whose bosom could not respond to it ! 

What a relationship it expresses ! It is the name 
of him who is our equal; our father is his father — ■ 
our mother is his mother. The love which cares for 
us cares for him ; and the eyes that weep when we 
sorrow, weep also when he sorrows. He is our coun- 
terpart, and has with us equal rights beneath a com- 
mon paternal roof; he eats from the same table, and 
sleeps beside us on the dreamy couch. He is partaker 
alike of our joys and pains ; and when an enemy ap- 
pears, we stand back to back and shoulder to shoulder. 
Boys together, we grow to manhood : the stream of 
life sweeps one hither, and the other thither, and years 
pass on ; but neither distance nor years can prevent 
our longing spirits from speeding over land and ocean 
to commune with our secoud self. 

Brother ! Generous epithet ! Every man should 
speak it lovingly to his fellow ; but how much more 
the Odd-Fellow ! Who should utter it if he does not 
to his brother! The term is his peculiarly; God has 
given it to him ; and will he not use it ? Is the poor 
Odd-Fellow afraid or ashamed to apply it to the rich 
one ? is the rich one too exalted to call an humble one 
by so sweet a title? And is it so? Children of one 
family — who are, or should be, going to the same glo- 
rious home, to live there together for ever — refusing 
or neglecting to love one another! Never — never 
should an Odd-Fellow permit an unkind feeling to 
have a place in his breast against his Brother! 






176 



VI. 



It is well enough for us sometimes to analyze our 
feelings and actions as Odd -Fellows, to ascertain 
whether we are truly actuated toward each other by 
the broad, eternal principle of Love. What is its 
spirit ? It is mild as an infant's breath, yet resistless 
as the thunderbolt ; gentle as the lamb, that licks the 
hand raised to shed its blood, yet more controlling and 
powerful than the elements that melt the rocks and 
rend the mountains. The prophet Elijah went and 
stood on Mount Horeb, to witness the majesty and 
grandeur of the Almighty. — The roaring winds, as 
the rushing of a thousand cataracts, were let loose from 
their secret chambers, and the strong rocks and frag- 
ments of the mountain yielded to the sweeping blasts ; 
but the Lord was not in the wind. Then came the 
earthquake : the mountain reeled, as though it would 
have been dashed headlong by convulsive throes, and 
shaken to pieces by the power before whom its quaking 
summit trembled; but the Lord was not in the earth- 
quake. Then the devouring fire, in terrifying and ser- 
pentine streams of flame, flashed along the shattered 
mountain, carrying destruction and devastation in its 
train ; but the Lord was not in the fire. After these 
fearful and portentous sounds were hushed, what did 
the prophet hear? Nothing like storm, earthquake, or 
bursting fire, but " a still, small voice" exhibited the 
power and the glory of Jehovah ; in it did the Eternal 
manifest himself to his servant. That was the voice 
of Love ; which shall conquer, and subdue, and win 
its trophies, when the storm of passion shall have 
wasted its energies, and the fire of Revenge and Mai- 






THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 177 

ice shall have been quenched for ever. Brethren, be 
it our intent to exhibit this principle in our lives, and, 
by example, as well as precept, to teach it to others ! 



VII. 

Whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God ; 
neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the 
message that ye heard from the beginning, that we 
should love one another. He that loveth not his 
brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his 
brother is a murderer ; and ye know that no murderer 
hath eternal life abiding in him. We ought to be wil- 
ling to lay down our lives for the brethren. 

Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother 
have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion 
from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?- — 
Let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in 
deed and in truth. Hereby we know that we are of 
the Truth, and shall assure our hearts before God. 
For if our heart condemn us not, then have we confi- 
dence toward God. 

God is love ; and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth 
in God, and God in him. If a man say, " I love 
God," and hateth his brother, he is a liar. He who 
loveth God, loveth his brother also. 



vnr. 

Our future prospect is full of promise : nothing but 
our own misconduct can dim its brightness. It rests 
with us alone whether our Fraternity shall perish or 



178 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

prosper — whether it shall retrograde or advance. — 
What will give us the certainty of a bright and joyful 
future as a Fraternity of Odd-Fellows ? We answer, 
" Union." The maxim is as true of us as of any 
body of men, " United we stand; divided we fall." 
We have all read the story of the hundle of sticks. — 
One, alone, was broken with scarcely an effort ; but 
the bundle was proof against the physical strength of 
the strongest. There is such a union of interests, and 
of feeling and action in our Brotherhood, that it may 
be, not inaptly, compared to the physical frame of 
man. If one member of the body suffer, the entire 
frame is affected. If we make a puncture on the hand 
or arm, and infuse poison into the blood, the whole 
system becomes contaminated. Whatever is calcu- 
lated to disorganize and disunite us — to scatter dis- 
cord and foment strife among us — must weaken our 
power and destroy our peace. 

Brethren ! let union of sentiment, union of effort, 
union of interest and action, be engraven on our altars 
and reign in our hearts and councils, and we may defy 
the sneers and enmity of a thousand worlds ; our Fra- 
ternity shall increase, and flourish, and become more 
and more useful to our race — and when we shall 
have passed away in the flood of time, it shall be said 
of us, what Goldsmith said on another subject : — 

"As some tall cliff, that lifts its awful form, 
Swells from the vale, and midway leaves the storm, 
Though round its breast the rolling clouds were spread, 
Eternal sunshine settles on its head /" 



TEXT-BOOK. 179 



SECRECY. 

Secret societies, for mutual relief, protection, in- 
struction, and religious worship, were probably first 
known in Egypt, in the days of her greatest glory and 
refinement. History has handed down the renown of 
the ceremonies which these secret societies enacted at 
their public festivals. The feasts called Cerealia, of 
the Eleusinian Order, in honor to Ceres, and the Dyo- 
nisia, or the feasts of Bacchus, together with the " Or- 
der of Pontifices" of Numa, king of Rome, were prop- 
agated from Egypt over all the world. From these 
orders, Moses (who was learned in all the wisdom of 
the Egyptians) probably derived much of that wisdom 
which made him the greatest lawgiver in the world. 
From these, the Greeks made models of institutions 
which lasted to the latest day of their historical glory. 
From these, the Druids of Britain modelled their reli- 
gious rites, so imposing that nothing but the revelation 
of the religion of Christ could have dissipated their 
power. From these, we doubt not, the aborigines of 
our own land have derived by tradition their annual 
festive ceremonies, to which none but their own blood 
and nation are ever admitted. That such societies 
existed in all the ancient empires of the world, we 
have abundant evidence on the pages of history. We 



180 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 

read that the highest honor that could be bestowed 
upon Hippocrates, in the city where his art first tri- 
umphed so signally, was to initiate him into all the 
mysteries of their secret orders, to which strangers 
were never before admitted. 

But these ancient orders, with the causes that made 
them useful, have passed away before the transmuting 
hand of Time. The religious sublimities of Egyptian 
and Grecian mythology have given place to a holier 
and more simple religion, the precepts of which are 
written upon all the pages of Nature's great book, in 
characters so plain, that the weakest in intellect may 
read them as he runs. Thus has ended the mystery 
that was once deemed necessary to preserve religion 
from oblivion. The archives of learning, too, have 
been spread before the world by the magic power of 
the press, while Science is knocking and importuning 
at the door of the humblest of the poor, that its inmates 
may be made wise. Hence the mystery of that mo- 
nopoly of wisdom which once existed with the priests 
of a heathen religion, has vanished, and its altars have 
crumbled to the dust. 

But the general diffusion of science, or even the 
Divine light of a wisdom that cometh from above, are 
powerless from oppression and want, or the relief and 
comfort of the sick in body and the broken in spirit. 
Though Wisdom and Devotion need no longer the 
veil of mystery over their altars, the heavenly attribute 
of Charity still loves the shade — still loves to shun 
the eye of the world, and do good by stealth. Let no 
one say that there should be no secret concert in the 
cultivation of the virtue of Benevolence. Pharisees 
may give alms before men, and make their show of 



TEXT-BOOK. 181 

figures on subscription-papers ; they may hoard to- 
gether their thousands for splendid schemes of public 
charity : but scarcely a mite of all their bounty ever 
reaches a deserving object ; scarcely a drop of their 
consolation ever relieves the distresses of a really de- 
serving sufferer. 

To those who possess a tolerable acquaintance with 
human nature, and are in any wise familiar with the 
history of mankind, either past or present, the impor- 
tance and usefulness of societies in ameliorating the 
condition of man, in correcting the evils of his nature, 
and in bringing forth the latent principles of his mind 
into healthful exercise, are sufficiently obvious. There 
are, however, in this strange and contradictory world, 
many persons who oppose secret societies on the mere 
ground of their secrecy, and who ask, " If there is 
any good in them, why do they not open their portals 
to the public gaze?" We would ask, in reply, "Are 
those who make the most ado about the secrecy and 
mystery of others, willing that every act of their own 
should come to the knowledge of the world?" No! 
Their stammering tongues and blushing cheeks would 
be evidence of their unwillingness to surrender the keys 
of their hearts. 

The truth of the matter is, that mystery and secrecy 
abound, and will ever abound, through each and every 
department of society. That maxim which taught men 
that a secret should be held inviolate, sprang from a 
sense of the importance of implicit confidence in every 
relation of life. Those concerned in secret societies 
only act up to the principles of every-day existence. 
Is not a man's household the place wherein his best 
affections centre ? While troubles beset him on either 

16 



182 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

hand while attending to his daily calling, he looks to 
the domestic hearth as to the Mecca of his heart, the 
haven of his rest. But if the world were to gaze upon 
the concerns of his family, or if he himself were to pro- 
claim all the events which might occur within his little 
circle, need it be said that all the charms of his fire- 
side, all the sacred associations of home, would for ever 
depart? The fact that his family is a small commu- 
nity, separate and distinct from the mass of mankind, 
makes it the means of domestic felicity. If you were 
to enlarge this community by the admission of the mul- 
titude, would it not lose its fascination ? Yet, upon the 
principles of the opponents of secret societies, unless 
he proclaim to the world the affairs of his family, unless 
his household gods are prostrated and trodden under 
foot, then, forsooth, vice and immorality must reign 
within his dwelling ! What would be the fate of every 
sacred engagement, of all the relations by which the 
best feelings of the soul are promoted — from which 
arise the greatest blessings of the social system — if 
there were no obligations of secrecy on those who con- 
tract them ? As well might the silver cord at once be 
loosened, and the chain of affection become as a rope 
of sand. There are mysteries and secrets in every 
department of society, which can never be fathomed. 
There are secrets which occupy but few breasts, and 
will never be extended to others ; secrets, too, into which 
no person of refinement would think of prying. 

There are secrets among all classes of men, in every 
pursuit in life, which are held inviolate. Business-men 
have secrets which they studiously confine to their own 
bosoms, scarcely allowing them to escape even to those 
engaged in their service : professional men have secrets, 



TEXT-BOOK. 183 

which they will not reveal to any excepting members 
of their own calling. Why do not the opponents of 
secret societies complain of these ? 

There are none so blind as those who will not see. 
Men who oppose Odd-Fellowship on the ground of its 
secrecy merely, and who, with an inconsistency that 
would seem to indicate monomania, object to secrecy 
in any form, as- though it were some fell destroyer, may 
not be easily persuaded. But there are those who sim- 
ply misapprehend this matter, who are willing to be 
convinced ; and to such we now address ourselves. 

If these people could enter a Lodge of Odd-Fellows 
as members, they would be astonished at the simplicity 
of our " mysteries." There is nothing horrible, noth- 
ing terrifying, in our secrets. They have a single 
object, and that is one which no sensible man would 
condemn. They are practised for the simplest of pur- 
poses — one of which is that of recognition. Many of 
our brethren come from a distance to visit the Lodges, 
and some of them require our aid in seasons of adver- 
sity. If we had no means of knowing them, we might 
be the constant dupes of imposture, and the prey of 
deception and fraud. By the proper employment of 
the intelligence derived through our " secrets," we can 
always recognise an Odd-Fellow ; and thus, without 
even speaking with him, can give him our aid. No 
matter what language he may speak, if he be a brother, 
we are able in a moment to know him as such. The 
" secret," then, of our secrets, is simply this : to faww 
each other, and to prevent imposition. What evil, we 
ask, can they do to society? why should they be made 
such "bugbears" among men and women? 

But supposing, after all, that our secrets were appalling, 



184 

and horrifying, and to be properly distrusted by those 
who are ignorant of them ? If we elevate the charac- 
ter of men, and send them forth to the world better 
fitted to discharge their various duties, what matters 
to the world the means we employ to do it ? What 
profit would it be to the unlawful "priers" into our 
mysteries to know whether we " rebuild the temple of 
Solomon," or practise the incantations of the witches 
of Macbeth, in our ceremonies? Some have said that 
secret societies are inconsistent with, and dangerous 
to, our republican institutions. We need not argue 
any abstract political theories on this subject. They 
are sufficiently answered in the fidelity and patriot- 
ism, exemplified in their conduct to the world, of 
the members of the Order. To the initiated, who 
know how perfectly harmless to all the world is the 
secrecy of a Lodge-room, this objection is a matter of 
ridicule. Odd-Fellowship is a philanthropic institu- 
tion, which has been more successful than any similar 
association ever established in this country. How 
many, professing a like object, have had an existence, 
in all the forms which the ingenuity of man could de- 
vise, within the comparatively brief space of the last 
half century? And what of them, save this and 
Masonry, now remains? Why is it that destruction 
has been written upon them all, by the finger of time, 
ere its mould had covered them ? Because their prin- 
ciple of association, consisting in the mere promptings 
of benevolence, however good in itself, embraced no 
fellowship of hearts, no community of interest, and 
consequently they possessed no bond of union nor 
element of life. They imposed duty without incul- 
cating affection ; and they extended charity with the 



TEXT-BOOK. 185 

cold hand of formality, instead of accompanying it 
with the warm and generous emotions of the heart. 
It is the principle of secrecy that forms our bond of 
union, because it is that which, though it be common 
to us, is unknown to the world ; it constitutes our 
Brotherhood, links us together in a community of 
feeling and affection, and enables us to preserve the 
organic capacity which in all other forms has crumbled 
to pieces. If it were dangerous to any principle of 
government, or any interest of society — any precept 
of morals, or any fundamental doctrine of our faith — 
is it likely that we would hold it out to every one, 
and invite all to come and be made acquainted with 
it? Or, if it contained any or all of these elements, 
is it probable that it could retain in its embrace the 
hundreds and thousands of great and good men who 
are enrolled among its members ? Would there not 
be at least one, among them all, who, scorning the 
trammels of deceit — spurning all obligations requiring 
the concealment of vice, immorality, and even treason 
itself — would at once unmask them to the world? 

Is secrecy, in itself considered, a crime ? If it be, 
then all men and women are criminals; for all, in 
whatever situation of life they may severally be placed, 
have secrets which they will not reveal to mortal ear. 
It is no crime. Heaven and earth, God and nature, 
death and eternity, life, love, and even Truth itself, 
are full of it. Why, then, should Odd-Fellows be 
.condemned for their " secrecy ?" 

We have sometimes thought that Odd-Fellows them- 
selves have been to blame for the opposition our " se- 
crets" have encountered. They are not, in all cases, 
sufficiently careful in their conversations with the world 
16* 



186 

on this subject. Indeed, they have misrepresented 
facts, by absurdly hinting to their friends and neigh- 
bors, that there is something in our rites and mysteries 
extremely awful or ridiculous. They have mischiev- 
ously pretended that the candidate for Odd-Fellowship 
must undergo a certain terrifying ordeal, and that he 
must " ride a goat /" We contend that all this is not 
only foolish, but scandalous. No brother has a right 
to bring reproach upon the Order by promulgating 
such trash. 

In concluding this subject, we would impress upon 
the minds of the Brotherhood the importance of not 
only keeping our secrets, but of discouraging, in every 
possible manner, the practice of misrepresenting them. 
If we are truly Odd-Fellows, we shall keep our mys- 
teries inviolate. Those who fail to do this, have not 
well learned the lessons they have been taught. They 
should study them over again, and commit to memory 
some of the instructions they have received ; so that, 
by their example, they may convince the world that 
" good faith" and virtue are the peculiar characteris- 
tics of a true Odd-Fellow ; for, according to our laws, 
ive can he Odd-Fellows only while we act like honest 
men. Brethren ! let us remember this. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 187 



GENERAL REGULATIONS OF THE ORDER. 



REGALIA AND JEWELS. 

The regalia and jewels worn by Odd-Fellows have 
been made the subject of much remark, by those who 
do not understand their object. They have been 
called " a useless expense," a " token without mean- 
ing," " an ostentatious display for the purpose of 
catching the eye." We have only to say, to all such as 
do not know their meaning, that, to those who do, such 
remarks as the above are consummately ridiculous ; 
and, without any further explanation at present, shall 
proceed to describe the regalia and jewels that are to be 
used by brethren in the various branches of the Order. 

1. The regalia of a member who has taken only the 
initiatory degree is a plain white apron, without collar 
or any other badge of distinction. 

2. The aprons and collars of members of subordi- 
nate Lodges are White. 

Those for members of the several subordinate Lodge 
Degrees are: — 

Of the First Degree, trimmed with White. 
" Second Degree, " Pink. 

" Third Degree, " Blue. 

" Fourth Degree, " Green. 

" Fifth Degree, " Scarlet. 



188 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

The Noble-Grand wears a Scarlet Collar, trimmed 
with White or Silver. The Vice-Grand wears a 
Blue Collar, the Secretaries Green, and the Treasurer 
Green, trimmed in the manner above specified. The 
Supporters of the Noble-Grand wear Scarlet Sashes, 
and those of the Vice-Grand wear Blue Sashes. The 
Warden and Conductor wear Black Sashes. The 
Scene Supporters and the Chaplain wear White Sashes. 
The Aprons of the elective and appointed officers are 
White, trimmed with the color of the Collar or Sash 
indicated for the office. 

3. Past Grands wear Scarlet Collars or Sashes ; 
and Aprons, either White, trimmed with Scarlet, or 
Scarlet, trimmed with White. The Aprons and Col- 
lars of Past Grands may be trimmed with silver-lace 
or fringe. Those who have taken the Royal-Purple 
Degree may have trimmings of Yellow Metal. 

4. All members of a subordinate Lodge may wear 
Rosettes, displaying the colors of the Degrees which 
they have taken. 

5. The jewel for the P. G is a Five-Pointed Star, 

" " N. G., is Crossed Gavils. 
" V. G., Hour-Glass. 

" " Secretary, Crossed Pe?is. 

" " Treasurer, Crossed Keys. 

" " Warden, Crossed Wands. 

" " Conductor, Crossed Axes. 

" " Guardian, Crossed Swords. 

The jewel for a Past Grand-Master is a Sun, with 
Hand and Heart. The jewel for a Grand-Master is 
a Sun, with the Scales of Justice impressed or en- 
graved thereon. The jewel for a Deputy Grand-Mas- 
ter is a Half-Moon: 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 189 

That for a Grand Warden, Crossed Gavils. 
" Secretary, Crossed Pens. 

" Treasurer, Crossed Keys. 

" Conductor, Roman Sword. 

" Guardian, Crossed Swords. 

" Marshal, ifaforc. 

All the aforesaid jewels are of While Metal. 

6. The Officers and Past Grands of a Grand Lodge 
wear the regalia of a Past Grand, as above defined. 

7. The regalia for an officer of a Grand Encamp- 
ment, is a Royal-Purple Collar, or Sash, and Black 
Apron trimmed with gold-bullion fringe. The rega- 
lia for an officer of a subordinate Encampment is a 
Purple Collar and Black Apron trimmed with gold- 
colored fringe or lace, or both. For Grand Patriarch 
the jewel is a double triangle of Yellow Metal, with a 
representation of an Altar and Crossed Crooks in the 
centre. For Grand High-Priest, same triangle, with a 
representation of the Breastplate. For Grand Senior 
Warden, the same, with Crossed Crooks. For Grand 
Junior Warden, the same, with single Crook. Scribe, 
Crossed Pens ; Treasurer, Crossed Keys ; and Senti- 
nel, Crossed Swords, with similar triangle. For offi- 
cers of subordinate Encampments, single triangle ; 
otherwise as designated for officers of Grand Encamp- 
ments. Members of Grand or subordinate Encamp- 
ments wear Purple Collars, Black Aprons, and Black 
Gloves ; the Aprons and Collars trimmed with yellow 
lace or fringe. 

8. All Past Officers of Grand and Subordinate En- 
campments are entitled to wear the regalia and jewels 
appertaining to the offices they have passed. 

9. The regalia to be used by brothers attending the 



190 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 

funeral of a deceased brother is as follows : A black- 
crape rosette, having a centre of the color of the high- 
est Degree to which the wearer may have attained, to 
be worn on the left breast ; above it a sprig of ever- 
green, and below it (if the wearer be an officer or past 
officer) the jewel or jewels which as such he may be 
entitled to wear. The ordinary mourning-badge to be 
worn by brothers, in memory of a deceased brother, is 
a strip of black crape passed through one button-hole 
of the left lappel of the coat, and tied with a narrow 
riband of the color of the highest Degree to which the 
wearer has attained. 

10. Past Officers and members in possession of En- 
campment Degrees, and all other members of the 
Order, when visiting Grand or subordinate Lodges, 
are entitled to wear the regalia and jewels pertaining 
to the highest Degree which they have taken. 

11. The Grand Representatives in the Grand Lodge 
of the United States, appear in the proper regalia of 
the bodies which they respectively represent. 

12. All processions and balls, or other ceremonies, 
at which the regalia and jewels, and other emblems of 
the Order, are to be used, must be sanctioned by the 
Grand Lodge, or, in its recess, by the Grand-Master. 
And all publications made in the newspapers, calling 
on the Order to appear in regalia, unless authorized as 
above specified, are improper and contrary to the law 
of the Grand Lodge of the United States. And the 
unauthorized use of the name of the Order is strictly 
prohibited by that body. 



191 



THE T. P. W. 

This was adopted for the protection of the Order, 
and is one of the tests by which travelling-brothers are 
proven. It is designed for the use of brethren who are 
travelling beyond the limits of the jurisdiction of Lodges 
or Encampments to which they belong ; and all Noble- 
Grands and Vice-Grands of Lodges, and all Chief- 
Patriarchs and Senior Wardens of Encampments, are 
possessed of it, in order that they may be qualified either 
to give or receive it. The Grand-Master and Grand- 
Patriarch of a state, and their regular deputies, possess 
it ; and none other than members who are placed in 
some of the positions above mentioned are entitled to 
receive it. It is originated by the Grand-Sire, is 
changed yearly, and goes into use on the first day of 
January of each year. It is communicated by the 
Grand-Sire to the Grand Representatives at each an- 
nual session, and delivered by them in their several 
states to the Grand-Master and Grand-Patriarch, who 
deliver it to their deputies, and through them to the 
officers of Lodges and Encampments, as above stated. 

Brothers who may procure a visiting or travelling 
card for the purpose of obtaining admission into Lodges 
or Camps of other states, receive it in connection with 
the card. As a general rule, it can only be given by a 
Noble-Grand or Chief-Patriarch to the members of 
their own bodies respectively ; but when brothers are 
called from home suddenly, without time to make per- 
sonal application for their visiting-cards, it is customary 
to accompany the card, when sent to the brother, by a 



192 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

letter, over the seal of the Lodge or Encampment, from 
the principal officer of the body granting it, to the 
Noble-Grand or Chief-Patriarch of some Lodge or 
Camp in the place where the travelling brother is tem- 
porarily resident, conveying (through said letter) a 
request that the T. P. W. be communicated to the 
brother, who will, of course, be entitled to receive it in 
such manner. 



CARDS. 

A brother who may desire to visit other Lodges 
or Camps out of his district, or who may wish to with- 
draw from his Lodge or Encampment, receives a card, 
certifying that he is entitled to the privileges and ad- 
vantages of an Odd-Fellow. Any brother who may 
wish to withdraw from the Order, can at any time do 
so by offering to his Lodge a written resignation ; he 
is not bound, in such case, to take a card of with- 
drawal. If he shall take a withdrawal-card, which is 
always good for one year (during which time he may 
become a member of any other Lodge or Camp), 
he is amenable during that year to the Lodge or Camp 
whence the card emanated, " whose duty it is to watch 
over his conduct."* These cards are furnished by 
the Grand Lodge of the United States, and are signed 
by the Secretary of that body. They are also signed 
by the Noble-Grand and Secretary of a Lodge, or the 
Chief-Patriarch and Scribe of an Encampment, grant- 

* The Lodge or Encampment granting a visiting or with- 
drawal card, has power to recall or annul the "same for good 
cause. — Digest, p. 37. 



193 

ing them. And they must always be signed, also, in 
the margin, by the names of the brothers receiving 
them. The wife or widow of a member of a subordi- 
nate Lodge may, by a vote of two thirds of the mem- 
bers present, receive a card, expressly adapted for her 
use, by the Grand Lodge of the United States, which 
is to be signed in manner above noted, with the addition 
of the signature of the Vice-Grand. Such card, granted 
to the wife of a member, can not remain in force more 
than one year; but if granted to a widow, it continues 
valid during her widowhood. The following is the 
form of this card : — 

" Friendship, Love, and Truth. 
"INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS. 

" TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, GREETING: 

" This certifies that Mrs. E. C, whose name is endorsed on 
the margin of this card in her own proper handwriting, is the wife 
[or the widow] of our well-beloved brother, who is [or was] a 
member of Lodge No. — , held at blank, and working under 
authority of a charter duly granted by authority of the Right 
Worthy Grand Lodge of the state of blank. We therefore rec- 
ommend her to your friendship and protection wherever she 
may be, throughout the world, for the space of blank, and no 
longer. 

"In witness whereof, we have subscribed our names, and 
affixed the seal of our Lodge, this blank day of blank, in the 
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one. 
[l. s.] " A. B., Noble-Grand. 

" C. D., Vice-Grand. 

" G. F., Secretary." 

The object of furnishing this recommendation is one 
which must commend itself to the approbation of all 
men. She who possesses it is entitled to receive the 
friendship and protection of those who claim the privi- 

3 7 



194 

lege of watching, not only over their brethren, but also 
over all who are near and dear to those brethren. 



BROTHERS TRAVELLING. 

A brother travelling, who may desire to visit a 
Lodge or Encampment, must be in possession of a 
card and the T. P. W. He presents himself at the 
door, and sends his card to the presiding officer, who 
appoints a committee of three to examine the visiter. 
In a Lodge, one member of this committee must be 
either the Noble-Grand himself, the Vice-Grand, or a 
brother known to be in possession of the T. P. W., and 
the other two members must be of the Scarlet Degree. 
In an Encampment, one member must be either the 
Chief-Patriarch himself, the Senior Warden, or a pa- 
triarch* known to be in possession of the T. P. W., 
and the other members must be of the Royal-Purple 
Degree. These committees examine the brother in 
the T. P. W., and in the Degree in which the Lodge 
or Encampment is open ; and, if satisfied, introduce 
him to the meeting. Brothers can visit Lodges or 
Encampments without this form, if introduced by a 
Grand Representative, or other elective Grand Officer, 
of the jurisdiction under which they wish to visit. In 
no other way, except as above stated, can a brother 
enter a Lodge or Encampment to which he is not 
attached, unless it be located in the state or jurisdiction 
in which his own Lodge or Encampment is working. 
It is important that this fact be well understood by 
Odd-Fellows. 

* Members of Encampments are called Patriarchs. 



195 



CEREMONY AT THE DEDICATION OF AN ODD- 
FELLOWS' HALL. 

The dedication is preceded by a procession, formed 
of the Grand and Subordinate Lodges and Encamp- 
ments of the state where the ceremony is to take place, 
and such of the neighboring Lodges and brothers as 
may accept an invitation to assist in the proceedings. 
This procession having arrived at the Hall, the exer- 
cises begin : — # 

The Grand-Master gives three distinct raps with his 
gavil, to command the attention of the brethren, and 
directs the Grand Marshal to make proclamation of the 
object of the convocation. 

Grand Marshal. — It is the will and pleasure of 
the Most Worthy Grand-Master of the Grand Lodge 
of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows of the state 
of blank, that the ceremony of dedicating this edifice 
to the business and purposes of Odd-Fellowship do 
now proceed. 

Grand-Master. — Such is my will and pleasure. 

* The ceremonies and form which follow are those used at 
the dedication of Odd-Fellows' Hall, New York, which took 
place June 4, 1849. We do not give this as a legalized form. 
The Grand Lodge of the United States, at its last session (Sep- 
tember, 1850), passed the following resolution, and appointed 
Representatives Holmes of Missouri, Smith of Tennessee, 
and Larue of Louisiana, a committee to attend to the required 
duty :— 

"Resolved, That a special committee of three be appointed, 
whose duty it shall be to prepare and report to the next session 
of this Grand Lodge, forms of ceremony to be used at the laying 
of corner-stones, and at the dedication of Odd-Fellows' Halls." 



196 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

A prayer appropriate to the occasion will then be 
made by the Grand Chaplain. 

The President of the Hall association (or commit- 
tee) may then say the following : " Most Worthy Grand- 
Master : We meet you here to-day to announce that 
our work is finished. It is not the business of the com- 
mittee to allude to their own labors, nor the manner in 
which they have been performed, nor would good taste 
permit them to descant on the fitness of our edifice for the 
sacred purpose to which it is designed. It is capable of 
speaking for itself, through its proportions and its style ; 
if these fail to impress you, any words of mine would 
prove worse than useless. I have only to repeat that 
our work is finished ; and, in behalf of the association 
(or committee) appointed for the purpose of superin- 
tending the erection of this Odd-Fellows' Hall, and of 
the Order in this place, I make the request that the 
building be set apart and dedicated to the business and 
purposes of Odd-Fellowship." 

The Grand-Master will then say : " Mr. President 
of the Odd-Fellows' Hall committee" (or association), 
" in the name of and in behalf of the Independent Order 
of Odd-Fellows of the state of blank, I accept, for 
dedication to the uses of Odd-Fellowship, this edifice, 
which has been constructed under your supervision. 

" To you and your associates the present must be 
an occasion especially gratifying. To-day you witness 
the consummation of that for which you have ardently 
toiled and hoped. To-day you hail the completion of 
that for which you have zealously and faithfully labored 
— and to-day you behold the recognition by your breth- 
ren from the north, the south, the east, and the west, 
of this, the result of your efforts, as a temple devoted to 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 197 

the service of those whose vocation it is to ' visit the 
sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, educate the 
orphan' — duties which neither interfere with nor su- 
persede the discharge of any others, social, moral, or 
religious." 

At the termination of these remarks, the Grand- 
Master will say : " Hear ! hear ! hear ! all men : 
by authority and in the name of the Grand Lodge of 
the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows of the state of 
blank, I dedicate this Hall to the business and purposes 
of Odd-Fellowship ; to disseminate Friendship, Love, 
and Truth, and to diffuse Benevolence and Charity in 
their fullest extent to all its worthy members : and by 
this solemn act I hereby declare it duly dedicated. 

" The Grand Marshal will please cause this dedica- 
tion to be appropriately proclaimed." 

Grand Marshal. — Brothers, Grand Heralds of 
the North, of the South, of the East, and of the West: 
By the solemn act of the Most Worthy Grand-Master 
of the Grand Lodge of blank, this Hall is duly dedica- 
ted to the business and purposes of Odd-Fellowship, to 
disseminate Friendship, Love, and Truth, and to dif- 
fuse Benevolence and Charity in their fullest extent to 
all its worthy members. It is his will and pleasure 
that the same be proclaimed, which duty you will per- 
form. 

Grand Herald of the North — [After a blast 
on the trumpet]. — Hear, all men ! By authority of the 
Most Worthy Grand-Master, I proclaim this Hall dedi- 
cated to the business and purposes of Odd-Fellowship, 
and the promulgation of the principles of Benevolence 
and Charity. 

This being duly repeated by the Grand Heralds of 
17* 



198 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

the South, East, and West, the Grand Marshal will 
say: — 

" Most Worthy Grand-Master : Proclamation has 
gone forth to the four quarters of the globe, that all 
men may hear and know the principles of Odd-Fel- 
lowship have here a dwelling-place." 

Grand-Master — [Holding in his hand a vessel 
of pure water, in the act of pouring it out], — I do de- 
clare and proclaim — in the name of a Friendship as 
pure as this element- — this Hall solemnly consecrated 
to the practice of that ennobling virtue, which, uniting 
men as brothers, teaches them to sustain that relation 
at all times each to the other : in the name of a Love 
that delights in listening to a tale of sorrow, that it may 
relieve it — that exults in every opportunity to wipe the 
tear from the weeping eye, and is ever found armed for 
the defence of the widow and orphan — this Hall sol- 
emnly consecrated : in the name of Truth, devoid of 
guile and hypocrisy, which inculcates sincerity and 
plain-dealing, that communicable attribute of Deity 
which most exalts the character of man on earth — this 
Hall solemnly consecrated. 

The brothers may answer, " So be it !" and may 
also give the honors of the Order, by clapping the 
hands quickly together three successive times thrice 
repeated. 

The Grand Secretary will read the certificate of 
dedication, signed by the Grand Officers, and the fol- 
lowing ode may be sung : — 

Uplifting to th' auspicious skies, 

For Friendship, Love, and Truth, a home, 

Behold the stately fabric rise, 

A finished whole from base to dome ! 



TEXT-BOOK. 199 

As step by step, and stone by stone, 
Our temple rose toward the sky, 
The work of Fellowship sped on 

To reach that dome outspread on high. 
Long celebrated be this day, 
And be our Hall, when old and gray, 
The honored temple as in youth — 
The home of Friendship, Love, and Truth ! 

Rejoice ! the finished type reveals 

To love -born Hope a glorious sight ; 
Let anthems sound in psean peals — 

The dawn has broken on the night ! 
Our temple stands the type confessed 

Of work in Fellowship complete, 
When, every heart with Friendship blest, 
Each hand a brother's hand shall greet. 
Long celebrated be this day, 
And be our Hall, when old and gray, 
The honored temple as in youth, 
The home of Friendship, Love, and Truth ! 

Along the eternal paths of Time 

We see the fane, "not made with hands," 
Where Truth, enshrined in might sublime, 

O'er sin and self triumphant stands : 
Her altar built of deeds had birth 

In myriads of halls like this, 
All stars of Hope encircling earth 
To gem the cup of Grief with bliss ! 
Long celebrated be this day, 
When other honored fanes and gray 
Shall, ages hence, as this in youth, 
Be homes of Friendship, Love, and Truth ! 

The Grand Chaplain will then pronounce a bene- 
diction, and the exercise? close. 



200 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 



CEREMONY AT THE FUNERAL OF A DECEASED 
BROTHER. 

At an hour appointed, the subordinate Lodge of 
which the brother was a member must meet at its 
room, and open the Lodge in the initiatory Degree. 
The Noble-Grand will then appoint a Marshal and as- 
sistants. The Lodge will thereupon close, and the 
brothers pass in procession from the room to the place 
whence the brother is to be taken for interment.* The 
order of procession will be as follows : — 

1. The Marshal, with black scarf, and baton bound 
with a band of black crape. 

2. Outside Guardian, with red staff, in like mourning. 

3. Scene Supporters, with white wands, in like 
mourning. 

4. Members of the initiatory Degree, in order of 
juniority, two abreast. 

5. Members of the White, Pink, Royal-Blue, Green, 
and Scarlet Degrees, respectively, in like order. 

6. Members of the Lodge having the Degrees of 
the Encampment, respectively, in like order. 

7. Inside Guardian, bearing the regalia and insignia 
indicative of the rank in the Order of the deceased 
brother. 

8. Treasurer and Secretaries of the Lodge. 

9. Past Grand, with Right and Left Supporters, 
each bearing his wand of office bound with a band of 
black crape. 

* For description of regalia to be used on funeral occasions, 
sec page 190. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 201 

10. Chaplain, with white scarf, supported by the 
Warden and Conductor, each bearing- his staff of 
office in like mourning. 

11. Noble-Grand, with his Right and Left Support- 
ers, each bearing his wand of office in like mourning.* 

12. Past Grands of the Lodge, in order of juniority. 

13. Brethren of invited Lodges, those of each Lodge 
arranged in the order above prescribed ; the Lodges, 
when more than one may be represented, arranged in 
order of juniority. 

On arriving at the place appointed for the starting 
of the funeral, the brothers must take position in the 
above order immediately before the corpse, and pre- 
cede it to the place of interment. On arriving at such 
place, the brothers will open to the right and left, and 
allow the corpse, mourners, etc., to pass through, the 
brothers on either side standing uncovered, the hat 
held in the left hand of each, and joining hands with 
each other. And after the passing of the corpse, 
mourners, etc., between the two lines, the brothers will 
re-form in procession after them in reversed order, 
and close the procession into and within the place of 
interment. 

* If the deceased brother, at the time of his death, was a 
member of an Encampment, or of a State, District, or Territo- 
rial Grand Lodge or Grand Encampment, or of the Grand 
Lodge of the United States, the Chaplain, and the highest offi- 
cer or officers present, of such Encampment, or Grand Body or 
Bodies, supported each by two members thereof, may take a 
position in the funeral procession next after the Chaplain and 
Noble-Grand, respectively, of the subordinate Lodge of the de- 
ceased ; they being entitled to take precedence of such Noble- 
Grand, and of each other (in all processions of the Order, of 
whatever kind, according to their respective rank), in conduct- 
ing the ceremony of interment as above set forth. 



202 

After the performance of such religious service as 
the friends of the deceased may cause to be there 
performed, and before the final closing of the grave, 
the brothers must form silently around the grave (as 
near to it as may be), according to the order above set 
forth ; they must be uncovered, the hat in the left 
hand of each, and joining right hands with each other 
in one or more circles, as regularly as the nature of the 
ground may admit; the Chaplain — or, if there be no 
Chaplain present, the Noble-Grand — may deliver the 
following — 

Address. 

We are assembled, my brethren, to render the last office 
which the living may minister to the dead. 

Man is born to die. The coffin, the grave, the sepulchre, 
speak to us in language that can not be misunderstood, however 
unheeded it may be, of "man's latter end." Youth in its 
harmlessness and comparative innocency, and manhood with its 
wonted vigor and pride of strength, are not more exempt than 
decrepit and tottering age from the fixed law of being, which 
dedicates all that is mortal to decay and death. 

This truth is inscribed in the great volume of nature upon its 
every page. The beautiful and the sublime, which the handi- 
work of the Creator displays on our every side, fearfully asso- 
ciate the unerring certainty of the end of all things, amid the 
vividness of the moral which they are ever suggesting to the 
contemplative mind. 

Day after day, we are called upon to follow our fellow-crea- 
tures to that bourne whence no traveller returns : but, from the 
house of mourning, we go forth again to mingle in the crowded 
world, heedless, perhaps, of the precarious tenure of life, and 
the certainty of that end to which all flesh is rapidly tending. 
He who gives the vigor of body, without warning paralyzes 
the stout heart and strikes down the athletic frame — the living 
of to-day become the dead of the morrow. 

Men appear upon, and disappear from, the stage of life, as 
wave meets wave and parts upon the troubled waters : "in the 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 203 

midst of life we are in death." He whose lips now echo these 
tones of solemn warning, in turn will be stilled in the cold and 
cheerless house of the dead ; and, in the providence of God, 
none may escape. 

Let us, then, so far improve the lesson as to be prepared for 
that change, which leads to life eternal. 

After which, the Chaplain will offer the following 
Prayer. 

Our Father and our God ! who art the resurrection and the 
life ; in whom, whosoever believeth shall live, though he die ; 
and whosoever liveth and believeth in thee, shall not die — 
hear, we beseech thee, the voice of thy creatures here assem- 
bled, and turn not away from our supplications. 

We humbly beseech thee so to imbue us with a conviction 
of our entire helplessness and dependence upon thee, that we 
may be brought to meditate upon the uncertainty of life and the 
certainty of death. In the dispensation of thy providence, thou 
hast summoned from among us our brother, and we, the sur- 
viving monuments of thy mercy, are gathered together to com- 
mit his remains to the earth. Give, O God ! we beseech thee, 
thy Holy Spirit to us, whom thou hast spared ; increase our 
knowledge ; and confirm our faith in thee for ever. 

(Bless and comfort, we pray thee, those whom it has pleased 
thee to add to the number of the disconsolate ; buoy them up 
under this heavy stroke ; sustain them against despondency. 
O, wilt thou be their Father and their God, and pour down from 
on high thy blessings upon their heads !) Bless, O Heavenly 
Father ! the brethren here assembled : imbue them with the 
wisdom of thy laws ; and draw them unto thee by the cords 
of thy inestimable love ; impress them with their duty to each 
other as brethren, and their obligations in the various relations 
of human life ; and, finally, bless our beloved Order throughout 
the globe. Preserve its principles and its purposes from innova- 
tion ; sustain it from the shafts of enmity ; protect it from self- 
immolation ; and shield it from all evil. And unto thee we 
shall render the praise for ever. Amen. 

The address or prayer, or both, may be omitted, 
and should be, in case the friends of the deceased ob- 



204 

ject to them. Whether they be admitted or omitted, 
however (the brothers having formed as previously 
directed), the Noble-Grand will, after a pause suited to 
the solemnity of the occasion, advance singly to the 
head of the grave, and cast into it the sprig of ever- 
green from his regalia, and then return to his place ; 
whereupon the brothers from left to right in regular 
succession, and in such numbers at a time as not to 
cause confusion, may advance to the grave, cast into 
it the sprig of evergreen from their regalia, and return 
to their place. After all shall have done this, and the 
grave shall have been filled up or closed, the brothers 
must silently re-form into procession according to the 
order observed in coming to the place of interment, 
and return in such order to the Lodge-room, where 
the Noble-Grand will declare the funeral ceremonies 
to be closed. 

The form of prayer, the funeral address, and the 
ceremony above prescribed, have been adopted and 
authorized by the Grand Lodge of the United States. 
It is optional with Lodges or Encampments whether 
they use it or not. In case they do not use it, how- 
ever, they are required to refrain from using any. It 
will be observed that the form — while it is such as all 
persons, of whatever faith, may consistently employ — 
is adapted to no sect or party, simply as such ; and 
that it is, therefore, most appropriate for Odd-Fel- 
lows. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 



205 



FORM OF A PROCESSION OF ODD-FELLOWS. 



Grand-Marshal and Aids, mounted. 
Music. 
(Subordinate Lodge as follows :) 
Marshal of the Lodge. 

0. G. with drawn sword. 

Banner. 
Scene Supporters. 
Brethren of the Initiatory Degree. 
White 
Pink 

Royal-Blue 
Green 
Scarlet 

1. G. with drawn sword. 
Permanent Secretary — Treasurer — Secretary. 

Supporter — Vice-Grand — Supporter. 

Conductor, with "> p C Warden, with 

axe. > <. white rod. 

Supporter — Noble-Grand — Supporter. 

Music. 
(Subordinate Encampments as follows :) 
Marshal. 

Guardian. 

Junior Warden. 

Banner. 

First W. — Senior Warden — Second W. 

Patriarchal Degree Members. 

Golden-Rule Degree Members. 

18 



206 

Royal-Purple Degree Members. 

Sentinel. 

Scribe and Treasurer. 

G. T. — High-Priest — G. T. 

Third W. — Chief-Patriarch — Fourth W. 

Music. 

(The Grand Encampment as follows :) 

Marshal. 

Grand Sentinel. 

Grand Junior Warden. 

Banner. 

Grand Senior Warden. 

Members of the Grand Encampment. 

Deputy Grand Sentinel. 

Grand Scribe and Grand Treasurer. 

Supporter — Grand High-Priest — Supporter. 

Past Grand > /-. r> ^ Past Grand 

_. . . > — Grand Patriarch — < _ . 
Patriarch. ) C Patriarch. 

Past Grand High-Priests. 

Past Grand Patriarchs. 

Music. 

(The Grand Lodge as follows :) 

Four Grand Heralds,* mounted. 

Deputy Grand-Marshal. 

Grand Guardian. 

Banner. 

Grand Warden and Grand Conductor. 

Members of the Grand Lodge. 

Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer. 



* These in case a hall is to be consecrated. For an explana- 
tion of their duty, see " Ceremony at Dedication of an Odd- 
Fellows' Hall," page 197. 






207 

Supporter — Deputy Grand-Master — Supporter. 

Supporter — Grand Chaplain — Supporter. 

Past Grand- ) _ Grand . Master _ \ Past Grand- 

Master. ) ( Master. 

Past Deputy Grand-Masters. 

Past Grand-Masters. 

Past Grand-Sires, and Officers and Members, of the 

Grand Lodge of the United States, 

in Carriages. 

Brothers engaged in processions will wear regalia 
suitable to the Degrees to which they may have at- 
tained. When two or more Lodges or Encampments 
walk in procession, they form severally as above ; and 
the younger Lodge or Encampments should precede 
the elder. All officers in processions should wear 
the badges of their office. Emblems of the Order 
may be borne in processions, either in carriages pre- 
pared for the purpose, or by persons whose positions 
in the Order are such that they may appropriately bear 
the several emblems. Chaplains usually carry the 
Bible. The Marshals should walk on the left of the 
procession, near the heads of the divisions under their 
charge. 



* # * It must be remembered, that the rules of precedence, as 
explained in a note under the head of " Ceremony at the Fune- 
ral of a deceased Brother" (page 200), must be observed in 
processions of the Order, so far as they may admit of being 
followed. 



208 



RULES 

For Subordinate Lodges, and D. D. G. Masters,* in Corre- 
sponding with the Grand Lodge, on Questions of Law and 
Usage. 

The D. D. Grand-Master, as the Representative of 
the Grand-Master and Agent of a Grand Lodge, must 
correct all irregularities and illegalities of Lodges and 
their members within his district, and decide in wri- 
ting all questions of law and order properly presented 
to him for that purpose. 

All Lodges and members in his district must pre- 
sent any questions of law and usage which may actu- 
ally arise, to the D. D. Grand-Master for his decision. 

All questions of law or usage must be clearly stated 
in writing, with a statement of the circumstances under 
which they have arisen, and must be signed by the 
member, or officers of the Lodge, proposing the same. 

All questions thus proposed must be answered in 
writing, under seal of the D. D. Grand-Master, and 
signed by him, within three weeks from the date of 
their reception ; unless at an earlier date he should 
notify the Lodge or member of the necessity of refer- 
ring it to the Grand Lodge or its officers. 

If any appeal from such decision is made by the 
Lodge or member, it should be made within one month 
after its reception ; and should be accompanied by the 
decision appealed from, or a copy thereof, certified as 

* The D. D. Grand-Masters are officers appointed by the 
Grand-Master, to preside over the Lodges of certain specified 
localities. 



209 

correct under seal of the Lodge, and the reasons for 
the appeal, addressed to the Grand-Master. 

No communication from any member or subordinate 
Lodge, on questions of law and usage (except an ap- 
peal as aforesaid, or a formal complaint against the 
D. D. Grand-Master), should be received by the Grand- 
Lodge officers, unless the same comes under the seal 
and endorsement of a D. D. Grand-Master. 

The D. D. Grand-Master of each district must file 
all questions presented or arising for his decision, en- 
dorsing thereon or filing therewith a copy of his decis- 
ion in each case. And he must also keep a record of 
each case and each decision in a book provided for 
that purpose, together with a memorandum of each 
irregularity corrected by him. And he must affix to 
each item the number and name of the Lodge, or name 
and Lodge of the member thus corrected, with the date 
of such correction. Said book and papers to be con- 
sidered as the property of the office, and to be deliv- 
ered up to the Grand Lodge, or its agent, accord- 

At least once in every six months he must present 
said file of questions and decisions, or said books of 
records and minutes, to the Grand-Master, for review 
and correction or approval, or for reference to the 
Grand Lodge. 

A copy of all complaints or appeals by Lodges 
must be furnished to the D. D. Grand-Master com- 
plained of or appealed from, and time be allowed him 
for reply, before proceedings shall be instituted against 
him, or his decision be reversed ; and all communica- 
tions on such decisions from the Grand Lodge to her 
subordinates, should be first communicated to the D. D. 
18* 



210 THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 

Grand-Master, and by him be made known to the 
Lodge. 

Any communication placed in the D. D. Grand- 
Master's hands for a member or subordinate Lodge, 
or for the Grand Lodge or its officers, should be by 
him forwarded as addressed, without any further delay 
than may be absolutely necessary to read the same, and 
certify to its genuineness if need be. 

Any D. P. Grand-Master, or other officer of a 
Grand Lodge, or any subordinate Lodge or member 
thereof, neglecting the duties or violating the obliga- 
tions imposed by these Rules, may be proceeded against 
as for the violation of any other duty, obligation, law, 
or usage, of the Order ; and on conviction thereof after 
fair trial, may be punished according to the heinousness 
of his offence, at the discretion of the triers having 
authority in the case.* 

* The above Rules were adopted by the Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania, at its session of 1850. They are such as may 
very properly apply to all Lodges and D. D. Grand- Masters : 
hence we have introduced them in the " Text-Book." 

The following are the duties assigned to the D. D. G. Masters 
of the Grand Lodge of Northern New York : — 

" The D. D. G. Master shall, in the absence of the Grand- 
Master, preside at all meetings of the D. G. Committees [con- 
sisting of all Past Grands in good standing] of their respective 
districts, and'preserve order and decorum therein, and enforce 
due observance of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand 
Lodge ; be the organs of the Grand-Master with the subordi- 
nates in their districts ; have power to call special meetings of 
the D. G. Committees when necessary ; to grant dispensations 
to Lodges in their districts for granting certificates for the five 
degrees in less time than may be otherwise permitted, when cir- 
cumstances require it, and to officiate in person or by special 
deputy, in conferring the five Degrees in places where no De- 
gree Lodge mav be located. Thev shnll see that the work of 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 211 



APPLICATION FOR DEGREES. 

Any brother in good standing, who shall have been 
a member of the Order for the full period of blank,* may 
apply personally or otherwise, in open Lodge, for a cer- 
tificate to entitle him to receive the Degrees of the Order. 

On application for the Degrees, a ballot must be 
taken, at which only those members of the Lodge who 
have received the Degrees applied for can vote ; and 
unless there shall be three black balls, the certificate 
must be granted. 

In all cases, the certificate must be directed to the 
Degree Lodge (if one is established in the district) ; 
if not, to the Degree or D. D. Grand-Master, whose 
duty it shall be to confer or cause them to be conferred 
in proper form. In districts where there is no Degree 
Lodge, the Degrees may be conferred in the subordi- 
nate Lodges of the district respectively. The Lodge 
must be kept open for that purpose, and the Degrees 

the Order is performed -uniformly ; confer official Degrees on 
Past-Officers ; collect from Lodges in their districts all returns 
and moneys due the Grand Lodge, and forward them imme- 
diately to the Grand Secretary ; install the officers of the Lodges 
under their charge ; decide all questions of law that may be sub- 
mitted to them by Lodges or members thereof under their charge, 
and report semi-annually to the Grand- Master of their proceed- 
ings. They shall forthwith report to the Grand-Master all cases 
of violation, on the part of subordinates, of the Constitution and 
By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, or of disobedience to its lawful 
commands, or the lawful commands of the D. G. Committees. 
When officially visiting the subordinates of the district, the 
D. D. G. Masters shall be received with the honors of the Order." 
* The rime varies in the several states. 



212 

conferred in the presence and with the assistance of 
the officers and members of the Lodge who may have 
received the Degrees about to be conferred, who alone 
are entitled to be present. 

The fees to be paid on receipt of the certificate must 
be regulated by the By-Laws of the several Lodges. 
In case the Degrees are not conferred by a Degree 
Lodge, the fee for conferring the Degree belongs to 
the Lodge granting the certificate.* 

* The following is the regulation of the Grand Lodge of Nor- 
thern New York relative to Degrees : — 

" A member who has been in membership one month shall be 
eligible for Degrees, but shall not be elected to more than three 
Degrees at the same meeting, unless a dispensation be obtained 
therefor from the Grand-Master or his deputy for the district. 

" Applications for election to any of the five subordinate De- 
grees shall be accompanied with the amount required therefor, 
and shall be presented to the Lodge when opened in that order 
of business, if so provided for in its rules of order ; if not, then 
in the order of new business, when the Lodge shall forthwith 
proceed to hold a ballot, in open Lodge, of its members then 
present, to determine the result of the application. Each mem- 
ber, before he casts his ballot, shall prove himself in the pass- 
word of the Degree applied for, and the application for the lowest 
Degree applied for shall be determined first, and so on to the 
higher Degrees in their order. If a majority of the ballots so 
cast are in favor of any application, a certificate shall be given 
to the applicant, addressed to a Degree Lodge, or officer au- 
thorized to confer Degrees, located or residing in the district, 
showing that he is a member of the Lodge, and has duly applied 
for such Degrees, and has been authorized by a ballot of the 
members of said Degrees of the Lodge to receive them ; but the 
Grand-Master or D. D. Grand-Master may, by dispensation, 
authorize a Degree Lodge, or officer authorized to confer De- 
grees, located in another district, to confer such Degrees." 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 213 



HONORARY DEGREE FOR LADIES. 

At the last session of the Grand Lodge of the Uni- 
ted States, held at Cincinnati, September, 1850, the 
following resolution was adopted, and Representatives 
Colfax of Indiana, Martin of Mississippi, and Steel 
of Tennessee, were appointed to perform the duty re- 
quired : — 

"Resolved, That a special committee of three mem- 
bers be appointed to prepare an appropriate Honorary 
Degree, with an accompanying sign or signs and pass- 
word, to be conferred upon the wives of Scarlet-Degree 
members who are in good standing in the Order; and 
that such committee report such Degree for considera- 
tion at the next communication of this Grand Lodge." 

The following are the reasons adduced by Grand- 
Representative Colfax for the establishment of this 
Degree : — 

" 1. It would tend to increase the resources of sub- 
ordinate Lodges by the advance of members in the 
Degrees. The experience of other Orders which have 
adopted kindred systems, have proved this. It affords 
an additional incentive for brethren, and an additional 
argument for those allied to them, to induce them to 
progress upward in the Order. I am willing to test 
the correctness of this prediction, by the experience of 
the future, if the new Degree is adopted. 



214 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

" 2. It would complete the present imperfect system 
in force in most of the jurisdictions, by which wives' 
and widows' cards are now authorized. By sections 
12, 13, and 14, of * Digest,' page 37, wives' and wid- 
ows' cards can be granted to run for a year, and to be 
signed by the officers of the Lodge, and countersigned 
by the recipient on the margin. This is for the pur- 
pose of affording protection, in times of difficulty, to 
those who, by the theory of our Order, have an emi- 
nent right to claim our friendly assistance ; and many 
instances are on record, proving that this purpose has 
often and most happily been carried out. 

" We thus consider them as enjoying a quasi-mem- 
bership in the Order. This would make the system 
more symmetrical, and render that connection more 
pleasant and honorary. 

" 3. It would lessen and ultimately destroy the 
prejudice felt against the Order, by many of the fairer 
sex in various portions of the Union ; and which, un- 
deniably, often tends to prevent accessions of members 
in subordinate Lodges. We appear to exhibit a dis- 
trust of them, which other prominent Orders do not. 
In many of the States, the Masonic Lodges are author- 
ized to confer a similar degree upon those ladies con- 
nected with their members. The Sons of Temper- 
ance have a kindred branch of their Order, called the 
Daughters of Temperance, and the Rechabites have 
also their Daughters of Rechab. Others in addition 
might be named. It would seem to require no argu- 
ment to prove, that ladies becoming connected with 
the two latter temperance organizations, knowing that 
Odd-Fellowship apparently exhibits no confidence, 
reposes no trust in them, would endeavor to induce 



215 

those related to them to join the other more courte- 
ous Orders, while a different number, who are not 
connected with such, and do not desire to participate 
in the details and labor of business incidental to such 
organization, but who would prefer simply to have a 
tie in common with the Order of which their com- 
panions are members, would strive to incline the un- 
decided mind of such husbands to this argument, 
tending, of course, decidedly against the increase of 
our Order. 

" 4. Such a degree could be made to assist Odd- 
Fellowship in peculiar cases of brothers' sickness. In 
many such, the kindly nursing of woman is needed 
far more than the assiduous and constant attendance 
of man, for she was formed to minister at the couch 
of affliction ; and in the watching which our laws so 
strictly and properly provide for, we only strive to 
compel the observance, by laws and penalties, of what 
in her is instinct, the promptings of nature, the impulse 
of the heart. By making such assistance in cases of 
peculiar exigency, at the crisis of a tedious or dan- 
gerous disease — a duty known to be expected by the 
Order, as well as due in like cases to those of their 
own sex thus associated with them — a valuable and 
systematic aid will be secured. The promotion, by 
this association, of warm friendship between the lady 
members thus afflicted, is not, in addition, an unim- 
portant consideration. 

" Other arguments might be presented, but these 
are deemed sufficient to justify me in presenting this 
report. If the adoption of this plan should, as it 
undoubtedly would, increase the interest felt in the 
prosperity and growth of the Order among that sex 



216 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

who wield an influence that few deny and all obey, 
the purposes of its friends would have been accom- 
plished. Northern New York have unanimously ap- 
proved of and recommended such a system. Indiana 
and Mississippi, without knowing of such a decision, 
have also, by a large majority, adopted similar views. 
Whether others have acted similarly, is not within my 
knowledge. But I have full confidence that, whatever 
may be the present decision of this question, this step 
of progress will ultimately be taken." 



ADDRESSED TO THE LADIES. 

All good things do, or should, receive the coun- 
tenance and support of the ladies. We, as Odd-Fel- 
lows, are bold to say, that we are clearly deserving of 
such consideration from the fair half of creation. 

It has been customary with some to apologize to the 
other sex for their exclusion from our Order. We 
know not on what ground their exclusion can, by pos- 
sibility, be considered objectionable. We regard that 
sex too highly to palter with or to flatter it. We 
might indeed say, and say with somewhat of truth, 
that their very charms might be productive of disunion 
in the Lodge ; that concord and brotherly affection 
would vanish and give place to the ardor of love, the 
bitterness of rivalry, and the fantasies of violence and 
jealousy; and that the mild and sensitive nature of the 
sex, apt as it is to embrace and follow every good thing, 
needs not combination to strengthen its good impulses, 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 217 

or new incentives to impel it in the course of virtue 
and benevolence. While we disclaim all doubt of the 
prudence and retentiveness of woman, we might ima- 
gine many flattering reasons for their non-admission ; 
but, in our humble judgment, apology is unnecessary. 
The simple truth is this : woman is not entitled to, 
and seeks not, a place among us. Our Institution was 
originally intended and framed exclusively for the 
men, and the various modifications it has undergone 
have not adapted it to the other sex. They could not 
with propriety, in conformity with the usages of the 
world, take part in our private assemblages, without 
exposing themselves to the censoriousness of the age. 
Their peculiar tastes and duties alike unfit them for 
the transaction of matters which require action, and 
lie more properly within the province of their partners 
in life. We esteem and reverence them, as " God's 
last, best gift to man ;" but we would not draw them 
from the stations they so honorably occupy in the 
economy of the world, to immerse them in cares and 
duties alien to their nature, and inconsistent with the 
customs of society, to which they are so directly ame- 
nable. But we aim at their advantage. We provide, 
in sickness, for the comfort of those who are nearest 
and dearest to them ; we bury their dead ; we en- 
deavor to support and cheer them in their widowhood, 
and to foster and educate, and place in the paths of 
usefulness and respectability, their fatherless offspring; 
we strive to render ourselves more worthy of them, 
and to purify and improve their fathers, their husbands, 
their brothers, and their lovers. 

We shall not argue at length the reasons why ladies 
may not become members of our association. For 

19 



218 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

we are persuaded that these are obvious to all who 
will take the pains to reflect upon the relative positions 
of men and women. While man is called upon to go 
forth into the world and fight its battles, woman's place 
is at the home-altar, as the high-priestess of that sacred 
spot; and her business — one which she well under- 
stands — is to cheer him in his rough journey, and to 
nerve him to proceed in it with faith and patience. 

Yet it can not be evaded, or denied, that Odd-Fel- 
lowship has been, and in some instances is yet, op- 
posed by our fair countrywomen. Why is this so ? 
Why should Woman, with her softness and kindness, 
her fidelity as a wife, her devotedness and love as a 
mother, her charity as a Christian, object to an Insti- 
tution which has been clearly proven of incalculable 
good to the human race ? Our homes for the blind, 
for the deaf and dumb, for the poor and destitute, and 
for the unfortunate creature of man's lust, have all 
been reared, and are sustained, under her fostering 
care and patronage : she has strewed chaplets of flow- 
ers in the patriot's path of glory ; her handiwork floats 
on the banners of our Sunday-schools and temperance 
societies ; her influence and labor are enlisted in almost 
every enterprise of good that has blessed humanity : 
why, then, we ask, should she discountenance a society 
which has for its sole object the amelioration of man- 
kind? 

This question, we are convinced, may be answered 
in a very few words — " It is a secret society for gen- 
tlemen only!" Here is the secret of woman's hostility 
to Odd-Fellowship : and on this subject we shall, 
therefore, beg to reason with her. In order to do so 
with some show of success, we can not do better than 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 219 

to present the following, which was written by one of 
her own sex, and sent to us, years ago, for insertion 
in " The Rainbow," an Odd-Fellows' periodical which 
we edited in 1841 : — 

"I propose, with your permission, to offer to the 
ladies a few plain and well-meant remarks upon this 
subject of secrecy, as many have formed erroneous 
opinions concerning it and your Institution. They 
think that there must be something wrong where there 
is so much secrecy ; and as I intend to show, in my 
few remarks, that female influence is sensibly felt in 
society, I particularly wish to undeceive them on this 
subject. In my own mind there is no doubt but the 
ridiculous assertions that are made against the Order 
are thrown out to mislead the uninformed, and preju- 
dice the public mind, by those who know nothing con- 
cerning the Institution. I have taken great interest to 
find out this ' grand secret,' as it is called, which, I 
believe, is only the mode of initiation, and the signs 
by which the members recognise one another. What 
they are I can not tell, only that they are calculated to 
make deep impressions on the minds of men. I choose 
rather that the ladies would trace the history of this In- 
stitution themselves. The principles of Odd-Fellow- 
ship are published to all the world, and may be known 
to others as well as by the members. I more particu- 
larly wish the married ladies to study them out, for 
many are prejudiced against it, and, as a matter of 
course, think they are perfectly right in opposing their 
husbands. And many think, too, that, because woman 
is excluded, there is and must be a deep mystery 
attached to it. This is perfectly nonsensical. Why 



220 

is it that woman is excluded from the halls of legisla- 
tion, from political meetings, and from the noise and 
bustle of military pomp? You answer, because it is 
altogether inconsistent with our feelings and station. 
So it is here. Woman must content herself to rule at 
home : she should view her home as her kingdom. If 
a woman were to go into the world — if she were to 
mingle in the strifes of public life, and devote her time 
and attention to business concerns equally with the 
men — in what condition would be our homes? It is 
for her to cultivate the opening intellect, and to en- 
stamp moral and religious impressions upon the mind, 
in the days of infancy and childhood, which will en- 
dure throughout life. It is a sister's privilege to watch 
over a younger brother, and gradually to lead him in 
the path of rectitude and duty ; to enforce upon the 
tender mind those very principles taught in the Lodge 
by precept and example — Friendship, Love, and 
Truth. Then, when that brother arrives at the age 
of manhood, he perhaps associates with those who in- 
fuse by practice those truths imbibed in childhood ; 
and, however high he may ascend in riches, in rank, 
in honors — however low he may sink in poverty and 
disgrace — he can never forget the home of his youth. 
When the siren voice of Pleasure would fain tempt 
him aside, the voice of his sister or the counsels of his 
mother, whisper in his ear, ' Resist the tempter !' And 
is not this woman's province — this her field of action 
— this the scene of her highest usefulness? Why 
then does she aspire to that which is not consistent 
with the laws of nature and the will of her Creator? 
Then let no opposition be shown to your partner in 
life ; rather rejoice that he associates with the good and 



221 

just, and sooner urge him to attend more regularly to 
his duty. If I understand anything of Odd-Fellow- 
ship, I believe its elementary features are Benevolence 
and Charity ; and if I am right in my opinion, these 
are indeed its noblest attributes. If such be the fact, 
should we, as ladies of sound sense and discernment, 
oppose it because it may appear to us mysterious? 
Nay ! We should rather exert every power we possess 
to befriend and advance a cause which, despite our 
objection, is one of the noblest ever devised by man. 
1 have reasons for this assertion in the amount of hap- 
piness I have seen it confer upon several of my friends, 
and in the true moral excellence which I have observed 
among those of its members who appear to feel a deep 
interest in its welfare." 

Thus much did our lady-correspondent and friend 
remark concerning " Odd-Fellowship and the Ladies," 
and we sincerely commend her observations to those 
ladies who may have objected to our Order on the 
ground of its secrecy and exclusiveness. 

Odd-Fellowship, as we have shown in the pages of 
this work, is a Society founded in the purest philan- 
thropy. "It scatters its blessings, like the dews of 
heaven, alike upon the rich and the poor," the high 
and the low, the strong and the weak. Woman largely 
shares these blessings. Fond and devoted wife ! need 
we tell thee that this is a life of mixed good and evil? 
— that the storm and the whirlwind succeed the calm 
and the sunshine? — that disappointment, bitter grief, 
and sad reverses, are the lot of mortals? He who 
lately led thee to the bridal altar may to-morrow be 
laid on the death-couch, and exchange his marriage- 
19* 



222 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

vesture for the winding-sheet and the shroud ! Wouldst 
thou desire the commiseration and sympathies of his 
brethren — they who have pledged themselves, by an 
obligation " heard in heaven," to protect and comfort 
thee in thine hour of despair ? Tender mother ! as 
thou bendest with untiring watchfulness over thy fair 
child, and hushest to rest every murmur that may dis- 
turb the gentle slumber of thy loved one, remember 
that, if thy babe should never need the friendship of 
Odd-Fellows (Heaven only knows what is in the fu- 
ture !) — there are "pale faces of little children" all 
around thee, who clasp no mother's knee, " the envied 
kiss to share ;" and for their sake, if not for that of 
thine own dear one, do not discourage Odd-Fellow- 
ship. Fond sister ! if thou wouldst live more fondly 
in the friendship of thy brother — if thou wouldst en- 
large thy enjoyments in his society, and, leaning upon 
him, feel a proud consciousness of his virtue and his 
worth, induce him to become acquainted with the spirit 
of Odd-Fellowship. Fair maiden ! thou who occa- 
sionally repressests the strong impulses of the heart, 
and quietests the promptings of love, to meditate in 
deep solicitude and anxiety upon the uncertainty of the 
future — wouldst thou take for that future a strong and 
certain bond of indemnity, persuade the object of 
thy affection to embrace the cause of Friendship, Love, 
and Truth. 

From these, and a thousand other reflections, which 
we have neither space nor time to name, we entreat 
our fair readers that they will not discourage Odd- 
Fellowship, but that they will rather aid it by their 
smile and approval. We assure them that they are 
deeply interested in its welfare — that it cnn cause them 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 223 

no possible injury, but that it may procure them and 
theirs much real good. Their happiness is not the 
least object of its care. It will shed the sunlight of 
joy and consolation on the dark scenes of their lives — 
cheer and sustain them in their hour of trial — come, 
it may be, to their aid, when all other friends fail 
them ! 



TO THE UNINITIATED. 

The experience of every considerate mind must 
teach the fleeting and transitory nature of worldly pos- 
sessions, and the uncertainty of health, which is to all 
the greatest earthly blessing that can be enjoyed, and 
the deprivation of which to the greater portion of 
mankind is the suspension of the necessary means of 
existence. 

The frugal ant, guided by a benevolent instinct of 
unerring Nature, improves the sunny hour to husband 
up its store ere the approach of barren, cheerless win- 
ter : and the impulse which here prompts this petty 
member of the brute creation to action in its own be- 
half is the same impulse which gave our Order birth ; 
brought by process of intellect to that admirable system 
which distinguishes the first of God's creation when 
exerted in a noble and righteous cause. 

The condition in which man finds himself placed 
on earth, as both an individual and a member of the 
social compact, is fully calculated to develop the finer 
feature? of his nature. He perceives that his own hap- 



224 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

piness depends upon the welfare of those to whom he 
is connected by the most inseparable ties ; his sensitive 
mind can not contemplate distress and misery without 
a shudder of pity and a desire to alleviate it ; and thus, 
from his own magnanimous nature, he becomes an ac- 
tive and willing agent in the cause of benevolence, 
friendship, and charity. 

But to dispense charity with a discriminate hand, to 
extend effectual relief to worthy objects, it is necessary 
that some systematic form of procedure be established 
for the purpose of rendering that relief mutual ; and 
we may here see the first grand principle of our Order. 
He who enters our ranks, subscribes to our regula- 
tions, pays his moiety for our support, becomes virtu- 
ally a shareholder, entitled to all its privileges and 
immunities, and in the dark hour of gloom and suffer- 
ing, the honest "grip" of a brother Odd-Fellow will 
warm his heart, soothe his weary, sleepless couch, and, 
unlike the fawning pretensions of too, too many sun- 
shine friends, yield him something more substantial 
than that poor consolation which words and professions 
alone can offer to the frame borne down with long suf- 
fering, rendered still more hideous by the too near 
approach of want. 

He who lawfully seeks relief from this source comes 
not in the shape of the humble alms-asking applicant, 
with cap in hand, to solicit the poor pittance which 
inconsiderate Plenty gives, and yet too often denies, to 
sorrow-stricken Poverty. Here is no compromising 
of that manly independence which is his proudest 
boast; his wants are anticipated, and he receives back 
with interest the bounty which he freely gave, ere Mis- 
fortune cast her murky shades around him. 



225 

But this is but a recapitulation of facts well known ; 
and the question is, whether Odd-Fellowship, if car- 
ried out upon the principles which now identify it, will 
effect the grand object of its aim, to protect from the 
pangs of want those who enrol themselves upon its 
lists. The sum necessary to become a member is by 
no means large, when the privileges conferred are 
taken into consideration, together with the fact that it is 
called for in the hour of prosperity. 

A long array of facts and figures might be cited to 
prove that this Order will answer its intended object ; 
but the necessity of adducing such proofs as these is 
uncalled for, the experiment speaking for itself; nearly 
all the Lodges in this country being in a prosperous 
condition, ready and willing at all times to meet all 
just demands against them. 

The sentiment upon which our Institution depends 
most for support and existence is the sentiment of true 
brotherhood, that mutual principle which should prompt 
to lay aside all personal differences and sacrifice all 
party considerations for the benefit of the general weal. 
The effect of this dangerous spirit — personal and party 
difference — may be read upon nearly every page of 
the world's history. Institutions laid upon foundations 
more solid and enduring, perhaps, than our own, have 
felt its shivering force and gone down to oblivion, and 
live only upon their timeworn and worthless records. 
Nations standing high, rejoicing in an industrious pop- 
ulation, with all the appliances and means of endurance, 
have been struck from their high and splendid emi- 
nence, and become the " schoolboy's dream, the won- 
der of an hour !" This baneful spirit can never be 
productive of aught but evil, and every true Odd-Fel- 



226 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

low is called upon, by the most emphatic and forcible 
considerations, to frown upon the approach of this 
insidious and destroying hydra. Where fellowship is 
the nerve, and amity and good-will the aim, Peace and 
Plenty sit like household gods upon our altar-places. 

This Institution, when considered in a moral point 
of view, may be pronounced one of the most splendid 
undertakings ever set on foot ; no spectacle so grand 
to the eye can be presented, as men coming volunta- 
rily forth to the relief of the distressed and suffering. 
Science, with unceasing energy, may soar beyond the 
visible diurnal sphere, and weigh with faultless balance 
innumerable suns and systems, and bring down to the 
ken of earthly vision newly-discovered worlds, to the 
great delight of the philosopher and scholar : but see 
the " friend of man" bending o'er the emaciated form 
of his brother, presenting to his fevered lips the cool- 
ing draught, and say which appears more benign, more 
Godlike ! 

The nature of our Institution, by its formation, is 
eminently calculated to inculcate feelings of liberality, 
to soothe all feelings of bigotry and prejudice. Here 
may be seen members of the most hostile sects and 
parties, forgetting for the time their peculiar tenets and 
predilections, and mingling together in fellowship and 
love. 

The world abounds with institutions founded with 
benevolent views ; but how many of them are estab- 
lished upon the narrow basis of party, or sect, or 
nation ! They indeed dispense aid to the sufferings 
of those of their own fraternity, but their rules prevent 
the admittance of all except those who are qualified 
by the circumstances of creed, nation, or profession. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 227 

No such qualification is here required ; the test neces- 
sary for admission into our Order is, a good reputa- 
tion and character for morality and honor ; it heeds 
not whether the man be a native of the Old or New 
World, Jew or Gentile, rich or poor : at his approach 
our portals open, he enters and becomes a brother. 

The tendency of Odd-Fellowship upon the minds 
and characters of its members, independent of the 
direct aid which it confers, is well calculated to de- 
velop those fine and social feelings which are the honor 
of our nature. It inculcates morality by the most 
forcible, and I may say practicable lessons ; it teaches 
men the sweetness of friendship and affection, and 
renders every man more fit to fulfil his duties as the 
head of his own household and as a member of the 
community. Its expressive mottoes and axioms are 
most acceptable to the moral, the benevolent, and the 
charitable. By them, men are reminded of their duty 
toward their God, their families, and their neighbors. 
In the Lodge-room they listen to exhortations which 
must banish all evil and improper thoughts from their 
breasts, and render them good and peaceful members 
of society. 

Odd-Fellowship to young men is, indeed, a benefit. 
It may be called a powerful conservator of their mor- 
als, and morality is the great safeguard of health. The 
minds of the most pure and well-meaning will some- 
times go astray, sometimes turn aside from the plain 
avenue of virtue, to glean the flattering flowers that 
stand temptingly by the waysides, siren-like, to allure 
and destroy the infatuated votary. The world pre- 
sents too many seductive pleasures for the minds of 
all to withstand : for living instances of this kind, we 



228 

need not go far. Let any review the course of his 
own observation — look around the circle of his own 
acquaintance — and behold how many young men, full 
of promise and hope, with splendid intellect and ca- 
pacity, have lost their fair fame by some impetuous 
act, and become objects of loathing and pity; how 
many, in the unguarded hour of conviviality, have 
raised the flowing goblet to their lips by way of healthy 
salutation to their friends, meaning no ill, and little 
dreaming of the sad fate that awaited them ! See 
many of them now ! watch the eye, that once sparkled 
with healthy vision, flickering with a sickly and ghastly 
hue — ambition, that load-star of youth, beaming no 
more for them — all pride gone, all respect, all energy, 
and the weak frame tottering to the inebriate's prema- 
ture grave ! A sad spectacle ; yet such as all have 
witnessed. Fortune, too, has her votaries ; and the 
gaming-table displays its glittering heaps to those who 
would stake fame, honor, soul, family, and all, against 
the yellow earth, and, in the essay to win, lose all — 
and seal their wretchedness through life. 

. When we claim for our Order those qualities which 
tend to prevent these disastrous circumstances, we 
claim for it no more than its equitable due ; each Odd- 
Fellow being bound by the most sacred obligation to 
advise and counsel a brother, to notify him of danger, 
and to stand as a guardian of his morals, reputation, 
and health. 

The wide extent of our Order, and the immense 
addition that has been made to it within the last few 
years, evince that the prejudice with which secret 
societies were once received is now fast fleeing away ; 
the effects of the existence of this Order have spoken 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 



229 



in its behalf; and the general sentiment prevails, that 
men whose actions are guided by philanthropy and 
benevolence can not prove dangerous. 

In regard to the secrecy, which is the only possible 
objection to our Order, we have spoken of it in 
preceding pages of this work. The world has been 
favored with innumerable dissertations upon secret 
societies, and their real or supposed effect on the morals 
of the people ; and they have all come to one and the 
same conclusion, that, they may be justifiable where 
secrecy is necessary. We know that we possess no 
more secrecy than is indispensable to our existence, 
and, accordingly, we feel little compunction at the 
mysterious nature of our Order. Every Odd-Fellow 
has sound views upon this theme. Ours is not that 
awful secrecy which would frown from our precincts 
all visiters, at all times, and impress silence, with a 
mysterious air, upon all who would inquire into our 
principles ; but we do and must possess certain signs 
and emblems that will make us known to each other, 
and protect us from the imposition of designing and 
unprincipled men. 

We rank among our fraternity many of the eminent 
men of the land — eminent for intellect and capacity — 
eminent for the purity and probity of their actions ; 
men who have given hostages to the world for the full 
performance of their duties ; and none can suppose 
that they, with a full knowledge of its nature, would 
remain connected with it if it were different from what 
it professes to be — an institution, the object of which 
is to relieve the wants of its brethren. 

The violent politician finds neither place nor time 
within the Lodge to promulgate his peculiar views and 

20 



230 

opinions ; the infatuated sectary finds here no respon- 
sive converts to his faith : here men must lay aside 
their predilections, and incite to the grand work of 
benevolence. 

America, from its peculiar physical nature, is highly 
favorable to the growth of institutions of a democratic 
and benevolent tendency. The tone of popular sen- 
timent is, generally speaking, liberal and considerate ; 
and anything proposed for the alleviation of human 
suffering, for the furtherance of the general good, in 
nearly all cases meets with encouragement and sup- 
port. Schools for the education of all classes now 
exist in profusion throughout the land ; asylums for 
the retirement of those who have become shattered and 
broken down by the storms of mental vicissitude may 
be seen in all sections of the country : and, when we 
consider that the most of these splendid charities are 
the fruits of voluntary subscription, we are justly proud 
of the land we live in ; we can not pronounce her 
name without feeling our hearts to overflow with grati- 
tude and joy. Here, upon the continent of young 
•America, humanity has found a safe and hospitable 
shelter from the blighting effects of persecution. Here 
young, bright-eyed Liberty sought a refuge from her 
lawless ravishers, and found a welcome home and 
brave defenders. Here Friendship, Love, and Truth, 
the principles of Odd-Fellowship, have found a genial 
and healthy soil. 

Odd-Fellowship is genuine republicanism. We do 
not insinuate, by this, that it has anything to do in the 
political movements of the day : it has no business, 
nor does it desire to have, with the various parties in 
State politics that array themselves, in clamorous strife, 



231 

against each other. When we say that Odd-Fellow- 
ship is republicanism, we mean, that in the dispensation 
of its government, and the bestowment of its bounties 
and honors, the people, the members, bear the rule and 
share equal and undisputed rights. In reference to its 
organization and body politic, we may say with Sir 
William Jones : — 

" What constitutes a state ? 
Not high-raised battlement or labored mound, 

Thick wall or moated gate ; 
Not cities proud, with spires and turrets crowned ; 
Not bays and broad-armed ports : 

No: men — high-minded men — 
With powers as far above dull brutes endued, 

In forest, brake, or den, 
As beasts excel cold rocks and brambles rude ; 

Men, who their duties know, 
But know their rights, and, knowing, dare maintain, 

Prevent the long-aimed blow, 
And crush the tyrant while they rend the chain — 

These constitute a state.'''' 

It is the nature of our country and her laws to 
receive to her bosom the homeless exile, to protect 
him from political persecution. And it is our duty, 
as countrymen and as Odd-Fellows, to welcome our 
needy brethren from the lands beyond the sea, and to 
contribute our " mite" to the alleviation of their mis- 
ery. We shall still go on in our " labor of love," 
disseminating the principles that unite us as brothers, 
till the clouds of human suffering, which now shroud 
in gloom so many of our fellow-creatures, shall burst 
and roll away, before the approach of that sun which 
shall be hailed as the magic focus of brilliant radii, 
formed by the tokens and elegant emblems of our Order. 



232 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 



ODD-FELLOWSHIP AND PATRIOTISM. 

Our Order is no political association. We are 
taught, as Odd-Fellows, to be subservient to the " pow- 
ers that be," and to obey strictly the laws, yet we give 
no political pledges — we are united by no political 
bond of union — we aspire not to any political authority. 
We are bound by our obligations to perform all the 
duties which can be required of good citizens ; and a 
violation of any of those laws, if proven against a mem- 
ber of our Fraternity, will subject him to immediate 
expulsion from our Society. We do not profess to a 
love of country beyond that of other men : in our teach- 
ings we counsel and inculcate peace and deprecate 
war; but in defence of the honor or the rights of their 
native land, Odd-Fellows would not be the last to re- 
spond to her call. As a proof of this assertion, we 
might refer to the hundreds of our brothers who en- 
rolled themselves in the regiments of the volunteers in 
the Mexican war : and we might also say that, while 
the bones of many of them were left on the fields of 
battle in a foreign land, their names and virtues are 
yet green in our memory ; and that, though on earth 
we shall never again grasp their hands in friendship, 
yet we confidently expect to meet them in the Odd- 
Fellows' home of glory ! 



233 



ODD-FELLOWSHIP AND RELIGION. 

This Order is no religious association ; yel, " Do 
unto others as you would they should do unto you" is 
the fundamental basis on which the entire fabric of 
Odd-Fellowship reposes. It assumes no higher au- 
thority than the regulation of the moral action of its 
members, while it confides an elucidation of the sub- 
lime requisites of the Sacred Scriptures to the minis- 
ters of Religion. It demands no obligations which 
would in the slightest degree violate a man's duty to 
his God, his country, his neighbor, or his family. It 
exacts no perilous vows which would implicate his 
fealty to his spiritual persuasions ; for it comprehends 
and embraces men of every creed, sect, tenet, and reli- 
gious denomination. It repudiates infidelity, but it 
assumes not that prerogative which the Great Searcher 
of hearts has reserved to himself alone. "Judge not, 
that ye be not judged," is the rule of action to every 
member of this Fraternity. 

The depravity of man renders it expedient for means 
to be employed to lead him from the paths of vice to 
those of virtue : and this should be done by inculca- 
ting the divine precepts of the Bible. This is what 
we do. But, while we teach those precepts in a man- 
ner peculiar to ourselves, we do not war with the prin- 
ciples of any sect. Jew or Gentile, Catholic or Protest- 
ant, is, as such, welcome to our Lodges and our hearts. 
20* 



234 



AN ADDRESS FOR THE USE OF 
ODD-FELLOWS. 

[We have introduced this Address in the "Text-Book" for a specific 
purpose, as follows : It frequently occurs that Lodges, especially in remote 
rural districts, having occasion for some public demonstration, lack a 
" speaker," and are obliged to send for one a long way from home, at great 
expense. To obviate this necessity and cost, this Address may very prop- 
erly be used, by some brother of the Lodge, who could easily commit it to 
memory and deliver it. To the audience generally it will most likely be 
new, and therefore as interesting as some Addresses for which the Lodge 
might be required to pay fifty or a hundred dollars.] 

Respected Auditors : We have assembled this 
evening to contemplate a subject on which, if we can 
not be of one heart and one mind, we can at least 
coolly examine its claims to public confidence and 
favor. The sacredness of this place, the aspect of this 
audience, the motives connected with the occasion that 
has brought us here, and the unanimity of the friendly 
feeling which pervades community in reference to equal 
rights and freedom of speech, are earnests to us of a 
patient hearing and a candid judgment. Like Paul 
before King Agrippa, I may say: "I am happy, be- 
cause I shall answer for myself" this evening, touching 
the things connected with an Association now known 
far and wide by the unique appellation of " Odd-Fel- 
lowship." It is expected that one pretending to teach 
others will know something himself. He who lectures 
on astronomy or geology, is supposed to understand 



235 

something of the heavens and the earth, as an indis- 
pensable guaranty that his hearers may become ac- 
quainted with their sublime features and mysteries. 
Shunning a labored and extended introduction, I enter 
at once on the task assigned me this evening. I could 
have wished that this task had been assigned to abler 
hands : but " such as I have, give I unto thee." 

We shall, in the first place, ask what Odd-Fellow- 
ship is? 

2. What it has done and is now doing for the good 
of men? 

3. Are there causes in the social, physical, and rela- 
tive condition of our race, for its operations? 

4. By what means will it be crowned with success? 
The question, "What is Odd-Fellowship?" you 

have heard answered perhaps repeatedly ; peradven- 
ture you have answered it yourselves. If you will 
apply to a physician to ask what the nervous system 
is, and to a chemist to teach you the law of affinity and 
repulsion — if you inquire of a Christian to know what 
Christianity is — I ask no more, at present, than a few 
moments for an Odd-Fellow to tell what Odd-Fellow- 
ship is. Would you go to the writings of Hobbs, 
Rousseau, Voltaire, or Paine, to know the claims and 
influences of the Christian religion? Then do not 
receive from Rumor's tongue her hasty verdict, nor 
the partial decisions of Prejudice. Odd-Fellowship is 
a philanthropic Institution. If there are secret cords 
which bind its members together, that have not been 
found out, and which would not be condemned if they 
were, yet one of its vital energies and of its foundation- 
pillars is Philanthropy. Men are here associated, for 
the purpose of doing good to their fellow-men. This 



236 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

Institution recognises the fact which is written in fear- 
ful emblems on the broad face of the creation, that mis- 
fortune, and misery, and death, are in the earth. Where 
we find men like ourselves, there we find the " pesti- 
lence that walketh in darkness and wasteth at noon- 
day." Where we find inhabitants, there too the sigh 
is uttered — the tear-drop falls from Sorrow's cheek. 
Where the laughing and merry children meet and gam- 
bol on the green, or sport in the meadow ; where the 
song of the young villagers, and the clangor of busy 
life, and the rattling wheels of industry are heard, there 
too the widow utters her lamentation, and the helpless 
orphan cries in the bitterness of bereavement — there 
are the pillows of death, and the fresh and new-dug 
graves. Odd-Fellowship was organized, not for the 
purpose of ridding the world of these pains and sor- 
rows — not to reorganize the present state of things — 
but to meliorate and soften the evils to which humanity 
is subject. It is an association of philanthropists, who, 
regarding all men as themselves, mortal, and subject 
to the miseries and reverses of the world, would unite 
their means and efforts to smooth the haggard features 
of Want, and soften the iron bands of Misfortune and 
Poverty. Philanthropy, in its high and broad sense, 
knows no favorites ; it goes to the prison-house, to the 
damp, dark cell, to the tattered cottage, to every place 
where humanity suffers, where the chains clank and 
" the iron eats into the soul ;" wherever there is mis- 
ery, its soft voice is heard like the rush of an angel's 
wing, and its hands apply the remedy and the antidote. 
Now if it be said that the philanthropy of Odd-Fellow- 
ship is a stinted and contracted one — that it is confined 
to its own members — the same objection may be urged 



TEXT-BOOK. 237 

against other benevolent institutions, against Christi- 
anity itself, and the present order of society. The in- 
junction of the gospel, " Heaven's best gift to man," is, 
"Do good unto all men, especially unto the household 
of faith." Can we say that Christianity is not a system 
of philanthropy, because it prescribes especial and par- 
ticular beneficence to its advocates? The present or- 
ganization of the social community in which we live 
is such, from the ties of family and kindred consan- 
guinity, that if the most philanthropic man among us 
should see two children, one of them his own, about to 
be devoured by a ravenous beast, and he could save 
but one of them, he would preserve his own child and 
let the other perish. This would not vitiate his phi- 
lanthropy. It is no valid objection, then, against our 
Compact, that it gives a preference as regards its bene- 
factions to its members. It will be remembered, too, 
that the members of every Lodge have claims that are 
not of universal application. They have contributed 
their earnings into the funds ; their money is there ; 
and they should be entitled, by a claim superior to 
others', to draw it out from these funds when the day 
of adversity comes. 

But I remark again, Odd-Fellowship is a domesti- 
cating Institution. I mean by this, that it unites indi- 
viduals together as a family or household, in which 
there is a mutual and reciprocal feeling of kindness 
and brotherly love. Do we not all know the influences, 
and associations, and endearments, that cluster around 
the almost magic words, " home, sweet home" ? The 
venturous youth on the high mountain-wave thinks of 
his home. The kind mother has there smoothed his 
sick-pillow, and eased his aching head, and felt proud 



238 

of her bonny boy as he conned his lessons and chased 
the gossamer butterfly across the flowery meadows. 
Often when the tempests threaten and the thunders 
roll, she sleeps not till her prayer ascends for her 
sailor-boy to Him who " rides upon the wings of the 
wind" — who commands, and the lightnings cease. 
Yea, there is a kind of charm that goes with us all our 
life long, that " grows with our growth and strengthens 
with our strengths," that comes up in its thrilling and 
bewitching revery, when we think of our home. The 
parent was there ; he laid the foundation-stone in the 
temple of our glory : there we were learned the sweet 
music of love — there we revelled in the delights of 
the purest affection of earth. There we were taught 
the best of all governments, the government of our- 
selves. There the brother smiled in joy when we 
were happy, and the sister and the mother wept when 
we were sad. Similar to this is the social Compact of 
which we are speaking : it recognises the duty and 
office of father, brother, and friend. Like the children 
that gather around the domestic hearth of one father — 
bound together by the bonds of fraternal love — so 
Odd-Fellows, if they are true to their principles and 
obligations, make their Lodge a peaceful and desirable 
home — a home in which 

"Reflection, reason, still the ties improve — 
At once extend the interest and the love ; 
And still new deeds, new helps, new habits, rise, 
That graft benevolence on charities." 

It will be said that there are individuals in the Order 
who are strangers, in both heart and conduct, to prin- 
ciples of this fraternal character. We pretend not to 



239 

deny this, as humiliating as the concession may appear. 
But do not charge this Institution with moulding and 
forming the character of such men ; do not say the 
genial and legitimate tendency of the Association is 
demoralizing. This would be to say that Christianity 
betrayed its own Founder with a kiss, and by its influ- 
ence led Peter to curse and to swear. This would be 
saying that there is no true religion — that it is not 
founded on charity — because men have put it on as a 
cloak to rob and destroy. It would be saying that the 
whole system of medicine is a phantom or a farce, be- 
cause some arrant quacks have attempted to use the 
pill-box and the lancet. We say, then, Odd-Fellow- 
ship is of a domestic nature. Its members find ties of 
friendship and cords of love strong and endearing as 
those that unite the inmates of a well-regulated and 
happy family. He who once enters this family circle 
will find the principle developed which was exhibited 
by one of old : " Let there be no strife, 1 pray thee, 
between us, for we are brethren." 

Once more, I observe, this is an Institution of mu- 
tual relief. The members deposite in the treasury of 
their Lodge a weekly and monthly due, which in the 
sunny days of health and prosperity they can easily 
spare, and which returns to them with seven-fold bles- 
sings when disease has prostrated them on a bed of 
sickness. What industrious mechanic can not lay 
aside four or five dollars a year from his earnings, to 
go into the funds of his Society? This small sum 
may be saved in the retrenchment of some of his luxu- 
ries, perhaps ; or a hat, a coat, a pair of boots, a party 
less costly than usual by a dollar, will afford the re- 
quired sum. This yearly amount comes back to a 



240 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

member for every week that he may be sick, or inca- 
pacitated from attending to his usual business. This 
we regard as one of the best features in the Institution. 
It is one that should commend itself to every lover of 
humanity and benevolence — the relief of the sick. 
This voluntary and benign principle manifests itself 
in deeds of charity and benevolence ; in its exercise 
the lonely orphan finds a benefactor, the widowed heart 
is cheered, and the sick-room, the cold and fireless 
hearth, break forth into thanksgiving and praise. Mu- 
tual relief! it is this that starts our courageous firemen 
at midnight from their peaceful slumbers, and, at the 
clangor of bells and the cry of fire, carries them amid 
darkness and the storm to the scene of devastation. 
Now they mount the flaming pile — and in the gather- 
ing clouds of smoke and the crashing ruin, their motto 
is, " To the rescue ! on, to relief — to the salvation of 
life from the jaws of menacing Death — to the preser- 
vation of property from the devouring flames !" Let 
one of these guardians of our property perish amid the 
raging element and the tottering walls, and his memory 
deserves as conspicuous a place on the bright escutch- 
eon of fame and glory as he who fell under the walls 
of Quebec, or those who bled at Lexington and Bun- 
ker Hill. He flew to the relief of his friends, his fel- 
low-citizens, and died a martyr in the glorious cause 
of benevolence, in relieving humanity and driving back 
the swelling tide of human wo. The young and the 
old shall cherish his memory with gratitude, and a God 
of compassion and benevolence will not forsake his 
widow and orphans. Look, too, at the Temperance 
cause : it professes to be based on the principle before 
us. "Mutual relief!" is the watchword; the stern 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 241 

voice of war is hushed, and the soft melody of kind- 
ness and good will is whispered in the ear of the 
drunkard, and he begins to feel that he is a man, in- 
stead of a beast — that instead of being friendless, for- 
saken, and alone, the common mark for the contemptu- 
ous and the scornful lip, he is regarded as within the 
reach of reformation, and it has been found out that 
there is yet one spark in his moral nature which can 
be kindled into life and light by kindness and the prin- 
ciple of mutual relief. What the thunders and the 
lightnings of threats and proscription could not do, the 
balmy and tender influence of goodness and love has 
overcome, as everlasting hills of ice melt away before 
the noonday sun. " Odd-Fellowship" is but another 
name for this very principle, mutual relief — a combi- 
nation of powers and means, the accumulation of a 
fund to draw from, when we need the comforts and 
sympathies of friends. It is no more true that the 
stockholder can claim his share of the profits of a bank, 
than it is that the members of this Society have a claim 
to, and that they receive, the moneys deposited in its 
treasury. 

Do you ask, then, why we stand up to plead its 
cause ? why men are thus associated in this Institution, 
and what the nature of the Compact is ? I answer : 
It is a Society organized for the relief of its members. 
When the paralyzing hand of Disease has laid me on 
a couch of suffering ; when the silver cord is loosing, 
and the golden bowl is breaking ; when, helpless and 
low, I am breathing out my life — then will this Society 
shed its blessings around me, watch with me, and soften 
the tedious dreariness of my sick-couch. When Affec- 
tion's hallowed tears shall embalm my ashes, and " the 
21 



242 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

clods of the valley shall be sweet unto me" — when it 
shall be said of me, " Life's fitful fever over, he sleeps 
well" — then do I trust that my brother-members of 
this Association will carry out one of the prominent 
objects of this Order, "visit the fatherless children, 
and be the protector of the widow." Let me, then, 
cling to its altars ; let me speak in its behalf; let me 
see its banners unfurled in every land ; let me hear its 
voice echoed from the valley to the mountain-top ; let 
its principles, " Friendship, Love, and Truth," like 
Jupiter's golden chain, draw the earth into one great 
brotherhood, till not a cry of the orphan comes up 
from the cheerless hearthstone unheard ; till not a tear 
starts from the widow's eye unseen and unpitied ; till 
Charity, Philanthropy, and Mutual Relief, shall have 
made more, arid wider, and farther-reaching conquests, 
than glittering spears, or gilded crescent, and waving 
plume ; till it shall be said of this crazy, selfish world — 

" Here Love his golden shafts employs, here lights 
His constant lamp, and waves his purple wings : 
Here reigns and revels.*' 

But I am dwelling too long on this part of my sub- 
ject. I pass to the second query : What has Odd- 
Fellowship done, and what is it now doing ? 

We speak, firstly, of its rapid and unprecedented 
increase. About thirty-two years ago, five persons in 
the city of Baltimore met in a small upper room, like 
the primitive Christians, and there laid the corner-stone 
of Odd-Fellowship on this side of the Atlantic ? They 
were viewed, of course, with the Argus-eye of suspi- 
cion. Rumor and Jealousy, which look on almost 
everything of this kind through false mediums, im- 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 243 

pugned their motives, and regarded this Compact, 
small as it was, a cabal of darkness — a secret horde 
of Fellows indeed, combined to set at naught the 
principles of religion and virtue, and to entrap the 
simple in the snares of wickedness. But what is it 
now? From this small beginning, a mighty tree has 
put forth its far-reaching branches, which overshadow 
the land ; the Potomac of Maryland and the St. Croix 
of Maine " shout to each other." Every city, town, 
and hamlet, unfurls its banners and resounds with the 
knock of its gavil. Let it increase in the same ratio 
another ten years, and the man who leaves the granite- 
hills of the Old Bay State, to see the setting sun gild- 
ing the Rocky mountains, may stop every night of his 
journey at a regular meeting of Odd-Fellows. There 
are in the United States thirty-one Grand Lodges, 
two thousand four hundred subordinate Lodges, and 
nearly two hundred thousand contributing members. 
According to the official data of the past year (1850), 
one million two hundred and eighteen thousand dollars 
were paid into the funds of those Lodges ; and the 
amount paid out, during the same period, to sick 
brothers, for funeral expenses, etc., was half a million 
of dollars. I leave it to your own candor and mag- 
nanimity to decide whether the disbursement of half a 
million of dollars for one year, under the direction of 
a chosen and judicious " Sick-Committee," as it is 
called, has done any good. I am willing to allow this 
audience to be the tribunal, to decide whether four or 
five dollars paid to a brother for every week in which 
he lay sick, and, in case of death, thirty dollars for his 
funeral expenses to his widow, have done any good. 
Yet this has been done again and again, and is now 



244 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

being done in all parts of the land. I say nothing 
of the visits, and attentions, and sympathies of the 
brothers ; let these speak for themselves. 

To those, then, who have united their zeal and 
energies to organize a Lodge in this place, and have 
invited this audience here this evening, let me say, 
you have great encouragement ; the harvest is already 
white and ripe, and you may thrust in the sickle. See 
what has arisen from the union of only five men, and 
that at a time when they were alone ; no kindred and 
encouraging voice was spoken in their ear from the 
world around them. It would have been madness for 
them to expect to see such a meeting as this, of ladies 
and gentlemen sufficiently interested in their cause to 
listen to an exposition of its merits. 

But young men and maidens, and the man of gray 
hairs, have come up here to-night to hear us of this 
matter. You have a number of brothers around you 
to cheer you on, to give you the warm grasp of an 
Odd-Fellow's hand, and to tell you, " On, on! my 
brethren, for you carry more than ' Cesar and his 
fortunes.' " 

Do you ask, then, what Odd-Fellowship has done ? 
I answer : It has gone to the bed-side of the sick and 
the dying; it has carried the means of procuring bread 
to famishing children ; it has followed the dead to 
their last and long home ; it is extracting from the cup 
of misery its bitterness, laying plans for the relief of 
the distressed, rolling back the tide of human wo, and 
making men feel the truth, " All ye are brethren." 

Again, I remark, Odd-Fellowship encourages liberal 
principles. By this I mean it has no sympathy with 
the rigid and austere feelings of the age in which the 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 245 

heretic burned, and freedom of thought and opinion 
was deemed dangerous to the state. A man with us 
may believe what his conscience and his convictions 
of the truth dictate. Our only care is to know whether 
he is an honest man ; whether he have that moral dis- 
position and affinity of character to the principles of 
our Order that make him love the names Benevolence, 
Fidelity, Charity, Friendship, Truth. If none of 
these virtues constitute a leading feature in his charac- 
ter, he may have the faith which removes mountains — 
he can be no ornament or aid to the Institution. "We 
adopt the language of the Indian chief, called " Red 
Jacket," to a missionary : " We never quarrel about 
our religion." Hence, those sectarian and party views 
which have too frequently been the source of discord 
and bitterness in the world are avoided in this Institu- 
tion. One may say, "I am of Paul, and another of 
Cephas, or Apollos :" we are all one in brotherly love. 
None are admitted into the Order because they have 
a very great faith, none expelled because their faith is 
too narrow. If it is liberality to allow one to enjoy 
unmolested his own opinions in religious matters, then 
Odd-Fellows are liberal. All sects and names unite 
here in the building of one temple, whose pillars stand 
on the everlasting foundation "Peace on earth and 
good-will to men." 



From lowest place where virtuous things proceed, 

The place is dignified by the doer's deed ; 

Where great additions swell, and virtue none, 

It is a dropsied honor ; good alone 

Is good, without a name ; vileness is so ; 

The property by what it is should go, 

Not by the title." 

21* 



246 

We have an "odd" name; but if the principle of 
the Compact is good — if it has done any good — the 
name is of but little consequence. Pure water is 
water still, whether it come from a goblet of double- 
refined gold, or flow from the jawbone that slaked the 
thirst of Samson. But the question will be asked, if 
you mean well and are doing well, why do you have 
secrets and talk to us about mysteries? Have you 
not wished most ardently, when the beggar has asked 
you for the boon of charity, that you knew whether or 
not he was a real object of charity? When he has 
told you his tale of wo, his shipwreck and losses, or 
showed you his scars of wounds alleged to be the 
marks of patriotic and honorable battle, have you not 
heartily wished that there was some secret or hidden 
mode to know whether he was an impostor or not? 
Yet this is all the use that we have for our secrets. 
Many of our brethren come from a distance, and 
solicit the aid of our Institution. How should we 
know them, unless there were signs and tokens pecu- 
liar to the Order? We should be the constant dupes 
of imposture, and the prey of deception and fraud. 
The whole secret of our secrets, then, is this : to pre- 
vent imposition and to know each other. If we are to 
be condemned for such secrets, then you may con- 
demn the faithful sentinel at his vigils, who allows no 
man to pass into the camp without the " countersign." 

In the third place we were to inquire whether there 
are causes in the social, physical, and relative condition 
of our race for the action of such a society. This is 
so almost self-evident and indisputable that we need 
not stop long to discuss it. Man, to-day, is nerved 
with the sinews of health, and he wields the clanking 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 247 

hammer and the sounding mallet, as a blithesome child 
does his rattle ; to-morrow, the feverish brow, and the 
faltering voice, and the pallid cheek, are the certain 
index of the inspired truth, " We all do fade as a 
leaf." A cessation from toil and the usual receipts of 
labor, a prostrated, sinking frame, and the forebodings 
of poverty and dissolution, come not over the soul of 
the young and single, perhaps, with that thrilling power 
which they strike into the heart of the husband and 
the father. If nothing has been laid up for this evil 
day (which is quite common), but a few suns roll over 
the sick man's bed, a few sleepless nights are passed, 
and squalid Want and Destitution enter the late joyous 
and happy abode. Must the children be sent out to 
beg from the charities of a cold and selfish world ? 
This would break the father's heart, already wrung 
with anguish and sinking in despair. Shall they be 
sent to the poorhouse ? The man of a generous and 
noble spirit, whose industry and good name have 
yielded himself and family a competence, can not bear 
the thought. Rather would he see the last tool in his 
chest bartered for bread, and all the furniture of his 
dwelling, except his sick-couch, sold at a sacrifice, 
than come to this. Yea, there will be suffering — 
pinching, bitter suffering — in such a family, before 
the man will confess that it is so. His brothers of 
this Institution, if he is a member, are bound to carry 
to him his weekly due ; and, although it may be insuf- 
ficient to meet all the wants of the distressed house- 
hold, it must do some good. We all know that sick- 
ness and pain are among us, and call for the benevo- 
lent heart and hand to soothe the sufferer ; there are 
tears which ask our sympathies ; there are lonely 



248 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

hearthstones, and abodes of misery, that invite the 
humane to " feel for others' wo ;" in the narrow gar- 
ret and the damp cellar, among all classes of ages and 
callings, there are appeals, and beckoning hands, and 
prayerful voices, for the exercise of brotherly kind- 
ness, the operations of a deep, and generous, and pure 
benevolence. The reasons for the organization of 
such an Institution as Odd-Fellowship, therefore, are 
found in the present condition of society, in the uni- 
versal liability to want, and poverty, and wretched- 
ness. It is not all poetry, that " man was made to 
mourn ;" the dark drapery of sorrow hangs over the 
earth ; there is weeping in the land ; trembling age is 
stealing on ; misfortune may come to all ; our fathers' 
graves are green ; and the orphan, with outstretched 
hands and moving lamentations, calls for our aid. 
These, in brief, are the motives that laid the first stone 
in the rising temple of this Order. To relieve the 
distressed, to soften the hard features of poverty, to be 
a father to the fatherless, and the benefactor of the 
widow, constitute the very elements of this Association. 
Some sages predict that this Society of Odd-Fellow- 
ship will soon run its career of glory, and sink in 
darkness, to rise no more. It may be so. If it is not 
founded in truth, supported and sustained by the prin- 
ciples of Friendship, and Charity, and Benevolence, 
it ought to fall. As much as I esteem it, at this mo- 
ment — as firm as my faith is in the purity of its prin- 
ciples — and as positive as our knowledge is that it 
has done deeds of Love, I say, if the gallant ship 
changes her streamer, on which Justice floats, for the 
pirate's flag, let her sink ! If the principles of this 
Institution are ever prostituted to griping Avarice, 



249 

grovelling Injustice, and deeds of blood — if it shall 
cease to hush the orphan's plaintive wail, aid the sick, 
bury the dead, and soothe the widowed heart — may 
it go down to the Plutonic realms of silence, and no 
trumpet-tongue ever sound its resurrection ! 

We are now to consider our fourth inquiry : By 
what means shall this Institution be crowned with 
success ? 

We have seen, already, that it has been successful 
in the increase of its numbers, in disseminating liberal 
views and feelings, and in alleviating, in various in- 
stances, the pains and sorrows of our fellow-men. 
What will prevent its cords from being broken, and 
its stakes from being removed ? What are the great 
conservative principles and measures, which, put into 
efficient action, will make us to say, as the immortal 
Adams is supposed to have said on the Congress-floor 
of " '76" : " We shall not fail ! We shall make this 
a glorious, an immortal day. When we are in our. 
graves, our children will honor it. They will cele- 
brate it with thanksgiving, with festivity, with bonfires 
and illuminations. They will shed tears, copious, 
gushing tears — not of subjection and slavery, not of 
agony and distress, but of exultation, of gratitude, and 
of joy.' 1 This patriot, and coadjutor in framing our 
national independence, had no more of the spirit of 
ancient prophecy than you or I have. But he saw 
around him a band of heroes — men, independent 
men — who knew their rights, and dared assert and 
maintain them ; who had pledged " their lives, their 
fortunes, and their sacred honor," to do this. He knew 
the blood of these men would course in the veins of 
freemen, as it does this day, and that their successors 



250 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

would guard, as the cherubim with his flaming sword, 
that " Declaration." Similar measures and means to 
those which have preserved and perpetuated our liber- 
ties and national independence, will also carry down 
the stream of time, unscathed and unharmed, the " In- 
dependent Order of Odd-Fellows." I do not mean 
that we shall buckle on the helmet and grasp the 
sword — that you shall see our ranks bristling with 
martial steel, and the war-horse prancing in blood, and 
the clouds gathering from the battle-smoke. No : the 
Founder of that Institution, which teaches us to become 
as a little child, said to his followers : " Put up the 
sword : my kingdom is not of this world, else would 
my servants fight." 

One of the means connected with the prosperity 
and ultimate glory of this Society, is perseverance. 
If that system of morality and truth which came from 
Heaven to reconcile and save humanity had its viru- 
lent opposers, and demanded the ardent courage and 
untiring perseverance of its advocates ; if the declara- 
tion of our independence has cost treasure, and the 
strong-nerved energies of intrepid heroism and firm- 
ness, to insure its success, we need not presume that 
our path to glory and triumph is strewed with naught 
but flowers and beds of ease. Our Institution would be 
an "odd" one indeed, if it should grow and flourish 
with no opposition — no culturing, pruning hand — no 
persevering toil. As well may we expect to see 
breathing locomotives flying on our railroads, that made 
themselves, or hear the buzzing wheels of manufacto- 
ries which the magic wand of some idle conjurer has 
called into existence. The hills and mountains have 
mouldered away ; even the deep-bedded rock has 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 251 

opened a pathway for steam, and commerce, and 
breathing life. Cities which were, some time ago, so 
far distant from each other that a long and tedious 
journey lay between, present only the obstacle of a 
short morning's ride ; and even the remote shores of 
the Pacific ocean have already become the journey of a 
few days. What has been done and what is yet to 
do, are signalized by perseverance ; the execution of 
proper, judicious measures in reference to the proposed 
and desired end. It must be so in the formation, united 
action, and future success, of the Societies belonging 
to this Order. Public sentiment and unfavorable 
opinions, which are honestly, no doubt, indulged, in 
regard to the Institution, will assume a milder aspect, 
as our perseverance in well-doing is manifested and 
felt. The relief of one brother, the cheering aid car- 
ried to one sad home, the guidance of one orphan from 
the dark valley of despair to the road of light and 
joy, shall 

" Live, gratefully registered upon our tombs, 
And, spite of cormorant-devouring time, 
Shall make us heirs of all eternity." 

Again, I remark, the exercise of benevolence will 
lead us on to ultimate and lasting success. I thus 
judge from the developments of the past, from the in- 
trinsic quality of this virtue itself, and from the signs 
of the present times. * Would you know what Benevo- 
lence is? See it blending its colors and beauties in 
the rainbow ; descending in gentle showers from the 
fleecy clouds ; standing in pearly drops on the crimson 
rose ; beaming in the soft, mellow light of morning. 
Hear it in songs of praise in the woodlands and on 



252 

the hills, in the grassy meadows and beside the run- 
ning stream. Behold it and admire, in One who, while 
expiring amid the scoffs of his murderers, made a 
prayer that calls forth the inspired exclamation, " Hear, 
O ye heavens, and give ear, O ye earth !" Behold it 
in a Howard traversing the desert, enduring heat and 
cold, now laboring up the mountain, now ranging the 
valley, now in the noisome dungeon and the dismal 
prison-house, that he may do good to his fellow-men. 

11 The spirits of the good, who bend from high 
Wide o'er these earthly scenes their gentle eye, 
"When first arrayed in Virtue's purest robe, 
They saw her Howard traversing the globe, 
Mistook a mortal for an angel-guest, 
And asked what seraph-foot the earth imprest." 

Benevolence, good will, is one of the elements of 
our happiness. If we can make beds of roses for the 
sick and sorrowful, their sweetest perfume returns back 
to ourselves. Like the melodious and touching strains 
of music that come from the hand of a master which 
rejoice the hearer and the performer, so deeds of 
benevolence bless the one who does them. To this 
principle we look as one of the enduring features in 
our stability and success. Let us cling to this with an 
unyielding tenacity ; bind it about our frontlets ; let its 
spirit reign in our councils, and in our intercourse with 
the world ; and the ruinous despoilers, Discord and 
Anarchy, which have overturned empires, and dis- 
solved strong compacts, can not harm us. The laws 
of Lycurgus and Draco have sunk down into the tur- 
bid regions of the past, to be revived no more : they 
lacked benevolence. Even Solon's more democratic 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 253 

institutions are long ago superseded by a greater and, 
still greater manifestation of benevolence. The time 
is past in which men are so engrossed in the carnage 
of war, as to say, like one of old who saw his only son 
fall in battle : " Let me think now of nothing but vic- 
tory ; I will mourn to-morrow!" There is a broader 
and more expansive benevolence among us. The 
Spartan mother no longer gashes the flesh of her own 
children, to accustom them to the tortures and pains 
of bloody warfare, nor are our women made the de- 
graded slaves of a tyrant to till the ground with Helots. 
And while the overwhelming conquests of an Alexan- 
der and the daring exploits of a Hannibal may live in 
story as the " strange work" of dark and iron ages ; 
while the footsteps of Napoleon, dripping in the warm 
blood of humanity, may be traced by the pen of the 
historian from Marengo to Waterloo — and here, to 
them, is "end of all perfection" — the benevolence of 
Washington will be honored and practised, while the 
needle points to the pole, and the waters seek the 
great deep. This is so essential an attribute of every 
system and institution which has withstood the revul- 
sions and changes of time, that we regard the Society 
of Odd-Fellows as destined to stand or fall according 
to its adherence or rejection of the principle. Benev- 
olence will stamp it with the seal of immortality ; it 
will wreathe around its altars chaplets of imperishable 
glory ; and give it a name, a standing, and a durability, 
which will last till the ponderous earth itself shall dis- 
solve, and " Time and Nature die." [That this So- 
ciety is now carrying out this principle, one single 
fact which I know, and of which I was an eye-witness, 
is submitted to your judgment. I visited a sick brother 

22 



254 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

a few weeks since, who in all probability is nigh unto 
death. Nature has long been grappling with the in- 
sidious disease. It was a retired room in a remote 
part of the dense, busy city. There, prostrate and 
helpless as an infant he lay, with his wife and little 
ones around him. Every night, two brothers from his 
Lodge are there to watch away its dreary sadness, and 
give the dying man all the solace that sympathy and 
kindness can give one in his condition. If the appro- 
priation of five dollars a week, and the constant atten- 
tions of brotherly love, are of any value, they are so at 
a time like this. Should this brother never arise from 
that bed of pain and languishing, the sum of thirty 
dollars will be paid by the Lodge to his widow, and 
his brethren will follow his remains to the grave. This 
is but a single case among hundreds : this is our be- 
nevolence.] 

[In bringing my remarks to a close, I would con- 
gratulate my brothers in this place that they are aroused 
to spirited action to build for themselves a temple of 
Benevolence. May success attend these efforts. Let 
the fair temple be crowned with the garlands of affec- 
tion ; let its foundation-stone be laid on that Truth 
which, though " crushed to earth, shall rise again ;" 
let every timber be laid in Benevolence, and joined 
together strongly compact by Friendship and Love. 
Let the insignia of this Order here be displayed in its 
emblematic colors, and its tinselled drapery cover many 
a warm heart that is throbbing in unison with its fellows 
in the cause of mutual relief, the melioration of suffer- 
ing humanity — the cause of the widow and orphan.]* 

* The parts in brackets, if inappropriate, are not to be used. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 255 

Brethren, the voice "Persevere!" is wafted to you 
on the wings of the southern breeze ; it comes rushing 
along the winding rivers from the north ; it is trum- 
peted on locomotive and paddling wheels from the 
east ; and the broad Atlantic shall not keep back its 
sound from the Emerald isle and the sea-girt home of 
Victoria. Meet in harmony ; act with prudence and 
justice ; keep before you, as the tempest-tossed sea- 
man does his compass, " Friendship, Love, and Truth" 
— "visit the sick, bury the dead, and educate the or- 
phan." 

To this assembly, who have given me their respect- 
ful and patient audience, I say, I heartily thank you. 
We are proud of our Lodge, and shall do our duty as 
Odd-Fellows. We shall pour the oil of consolation 
into bruised hearts, and smooth the grave of the dead. 
We will pay no less taxes into your treasury, be no 
less devout in your churches ; we must, if we are true 
to our principles, be more benevolent, more charitable, 
and better men, than before. Ours is an addition to 
your benevolent institutions, which, although she may 
be somewhat "odd" in name, and to some have on 
the veil of the nun, yet in her hand she holds the 
" box of precious ointment ;" the good Samaritan has 
thrown upon her his mantle. No helmet, cleft with 
battle-axe, and bloody girdle wrenched from the fallen 
warrior, are her trophies ; " she stoops to conquer," 
but her power is Love, and her victories are the 
triumphs of Charity over Hatred, Good Will over 
Malice, Beneficence over Pain and Death. Give her, 
then, a seat at your " feast of charity ;" welcome her 
as a co-worker in alleviating the miseries of the world, 
and in diffusing those principles which " the inaudible 






256 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

and noiseless foot of Time" can not efface, and which 
will outlive the " everlasting mountains" and the " per- 
petual hills !" Far in the distance I see the conquests 
of this Order — a mighty band that no man can num- 
ber, from the fourwinds of heaven they come; their 
banners float in the sunlight that gilds the eastern hills, 
and wave in the breezes that kiss the Rocky mount- 
ains. The lion has lain down with the kid, the wolf 
and the fading together, and a little child is leading 
the leopard. Thousands of voices come, like the song 
of angels, singing in strains as gentle as the song of 
Bethlehem : " Friendship has won her laurels ; Love 
has subdued the world ; Truth is mighty, and has 
prevailed!" 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 257 



CONDITION OF THE ORDER IN 1850. 

In preceding pages we have given a general History 
of the Order in America. We propose now to pre- 
sent a brief account of the origin of the Fraternity in 
the several states, together with the number of Lodges 
and of members in each. 

WASHINGTON LODGE, NUMBER ONE, 

May justly claim the honor of being the pioneer in a 
cause which has been and is of immense value in the 
United States. From this small beginning have pro- 
ceeded thousands of Lodges, and hundreds of thousands 
of members, that have accomplished, in one genera- 
tion (about thirty-two years) more real, substantial 
good to mankind than all other similar associations. 
Washington Lodge, No. 1, was instituted on the 
26th of April, 1819, at the public-house (in Second 
street, Baltimore) called " Sign- of -the- Seven- Stars" 
of which Mr. William Lupton was the worthy host. 
The odd fellows who were the "head and front" of 
this proceeding were 

THOMAS W1LDEY, 

JOHN WELCH, 

JOHN DUNCAN, 

JOHN CHEATHEM, 

RICHARD RUSHWORTH. 

22* 






258 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 



THE GRAND LODGE OF MARYLAND, 

Having separated from the Grand Lodge of 
the United States on the twenty-second of 
November, 1824, became the head of the 
Order in the State of Maryland at that date. 

No. of Lodges in Maryland ----- 70 
" Contributing Members - - - - 10,000 



THE GND. LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS 

Was "chartered" June 11, 1823. It is 
located at Boston. 

No. of Lodges in Massachusetts - - - - 128 
" Contributing Members - - - - 11,031 



THE GRAND LODGE OF NEW- YORK 

Was chartered June 24, 1823. In 1849, 
the Grand Lodge of the United States 
authorized the establishment of two Grand 
Lodges in New-York — one to exercise its 
functions over that portion known as the 
northern, and the other over that known as 
the southern judicial district of the State. 
The whole number of Lodges in the two 
jurisdictions is ------ - 540 

Members in the two jurisdictions 42,473 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 259 



GRAND LODGE OF NORTHERN N. Y. 

No. of Lodges 356 

" Contributing Members - - - 22,813 



GRAND LODGE OF SOUTHERN N. Y. 

No. of Lodges -- 184 

" Contributing Members - - - 19,660 



GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

Instituted June 15, 1823. 

No. of Lodges 400 

" Contributing Members - - - - 40,000 



GRAND LODGE OF DIST. or COLUMBIA. 

Instituted November 24, 1828. 

No. of Lodges 13 

" Contributing Members - - - - 1,160 



GRAND LODGE OF DELAWARE. 

Instituted June 27, 1831. 

No. of Lodges ----------24 

" Contributing Members - - - - 1,600 



260 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

GRAND LODGE OF OHIO. 

Instituted January 28, 1832. 

No. of Lodges 159 

" Contributing Members - - - - 11,039 



GRAND LODGE OF LOUISIANA. 

Instituted January 11, 1833. 

No. of Lodges 28 

" Contributing Members - - - - 2,131 



GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 

Instituted August 3, 1833. 

No. of Lodges 100 

" Contributing Members - - - - 1,776 



GRAND LODGE OF KENTUCKY. 

Instituted September 12, 1835. 

No. of Lodges ----------66 

" Contributing Members - - - - 3,338 



GRAND LODGE OF VIRGINIA. 

Instituted August 19, 1837. 

No. of Lodges 92 

*' Contributing Members - - - - 5,610 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 261 

GRAND LODGE OF INDIANA. 

Instituted August 14, 1837. 

No. of Lodges -- 82 

" Contributing Members - - - - 3,670 

GRAND LODGE OF MISSISSIPPI. 

Instituted May 4, 1838. 

No. of Lodges - --41 

" Contributing Members - - - - 1,513 

GRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI. 

Instituted June 12, 1838. 

No. of Lodges 41 

" Contributing Members - - - - 2,093 

GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS. 

Instituted August 22, 1848. 

No. of Lodges 76 

" Contributing Members - - - - 3,291 

GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS. 

Instituted April 19, 1841. 

No. of Lodges 16 

" Contributing Members - - - - 200 



262 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

GRAND LODGE OF ALABAMA. 

Instituted December 13, 1841. 

No. of Lodges ----------37 

" Contributing Members - - - - 1,529 

GRAND LODGE OF CONNECTICUT. 

Instituted November 15, 1840. 

No. of Lodges -----71 

" Contributing Members 5,878 



GRAND LODGE OF SOUTH CAROLINA. 

Instituted November 24, 1841. 

No. of Lodges ----- 20 

" Contributing Members - - - - 1,848 



GRAND LODGE OF TENNESSEE. 

Instituted August 10, 1841. 

No. of Lodges 60 

" Contributing Members - - - - 2,152 

GRAND LODGE OF NORTH CAROLINA. 

Instituted January 6, 1843. 

No. of Lodges -- - 30 

" Contributing Members - - - - 1,200 



THE ODD-FELLOWS* TEXT-BOOK. 263 

GRAND LODGE OF GEORGIA. 

Instituted November 13, 1843. 

No. of Lodges ----------37 

" Contributing Members - - - - 1,831 

GRAND LODGE OF MAINE. 

Instituted March 18, 1844. 

No. of Lodges ----------59 

" Contributing Members - - - - 5,088 

GRAND LODGE OF RHODE ISLAND. 

Instituted June 15, 1849. 

No. of Lodges 13 

" Contributing Members ----- 1,471 

GRAND LODGE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

Instituted July 9, 1844. 

No. of Lodges 34 

" Contributing Members - - - - 2,545 

GRAND LODGE OF MICHIGAN. 

Instituted September, 1844. 

No. of Lodges ----------49 

" Contributing Members - - - - 2,974 



264 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

GRAND LODGE OF VERMONT. 

Instituted December 29, 1847. 

No. of Lodges ------ - _ _ go 

" Contributing Members - - - 1,000 



GRAND LODGE OF IOWA. 

Instituted in 1848. 

No. of Lodges 28 

" Contributing Members 946 



GRAND LODGE OF ARKANSAS. 

Instituted June 11, 1849. 

No. of Lodges ----------6 

" Contributing Members ----- 197 



GRAND LODGE OF WISCONSIN. 

Instituted January 9, 1847. 

No. of Lodges ----------49 

" Contributing Members - - - - 2,287 



In Florida there are eight subordinate Lodges, 
under the jurisdiction of the G. L. of the United 
States, comprising one hundred and ninety-eight mem- 
bers. 



265 

In Minnesota there are two subordinate Lodges, 
attached to the G. L. of the United States. 

In California, we are informed, there are twelve 
subordinate Lodges, belonging to the G. L. of the 
United States. 

There is also, under the same jurisdiction, a Lodge 
in Honolulu, Sandwich Islands. 

Bro. Alexander N. Frazer has been deputed to in- 
stitute Lodges in Oregon. 

There is a Grand Lodge in British North Amer- 
ica, instituted a few years since by the Grand Lodge 
of the United States. 

These Lodges are all in a prosperous condition. 

The Patriarchal — or Encampment — branch of 
the Order has also been established in nearly all the 
states and territories. 

The amount of funds expended in 1850, for the re- 
lief of brothers, etc., was nearly half a million of dol- 
lars. The revenue of the Lodges for 1850 was one 
million, two hundred and seventeen thousand, four 
hundred and seventeen dollars. 

The whole matter summed up, the following is the 
condition of the I. O. of O. F. in the year 1850 : — 

No. of Grand Lodges - 31 

" Grand Encampments 27 

No. of Subordinate Lodges - 2,399 

" Subordinate Encampments - - 500 

Whole number of Members - - 178,109 

" of Patriarchs - - -20,000 

Amount of Revenue for 1850 - - $1,217,417 

Amount expended for Relief, etc., about $500,000 

23 



266 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

It must be observed that the foregoing calculations are 
made up to July, 1850. The increase of members for 
the year preceding that time was 31,232. We may 
reckon that, at this date (June, 1851), there are fully 
two hundred and ten thousand Odd-Fellows within 
the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the United 
States. 

It is reasonable to suppose that, during the next 
twenty years, the increase of membership will amount 
to fully thirty thousand per annum ; which will give 
the Grand Lodge of the United States, in 1871, a 
constituency of eight hundred thousand. And, in five 
years longer (1876), the increase will probably carry 
the number up to one million. This, we think, is a 
perfectly reasonable anticipation. The accomplish- 
ment of such a result depends, however, upon the 
Order alone : upon its conduct — its zeal — its perse- 
verance — and, above all, its practice of the sublime 
principles taught by the Institution. 



** # The revenue of Lodges consists of initiation-fees, 
dues, and fees for the five degrees, The usual fee 
for initiation is ten dollars : some of the Lodges, how- 
ever, place it as high as twenty, and even fifty dollars. 
The dues vary from four to ten dollars per annum. 
The price for the five Subordinate-Lodge Degrees, in 
the several States, varies from five to twenty dollars. 

The cost for the three Encampment Degrees is 
twelve dollars ; the dues of Encampments are ordina- 
rily four dollars per annum. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 267 

ODES FOR SEVERAL IMPORTANT OCCASIONS. 



Tenor. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEMPLE. 

May be used at the "laying of a corner-stone." 

Music by Th. Elmer Smith. 



fc* 



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1. All hail the glorious work of love Aus - pi-cious-ly be- gun! 
Air. 

t=~™-- w i .0-. 




2. And cher-ub back to ser-aph call To leave his shin-ing throne, 



-0—0- 



zdf: 



ps^mmm 



The angels from their homes above Will gaze with gladness down 



e 



0—- 



^fel 



nwrzfz 



And smil-ing from the crystal wall, Will bless our cor-ner - stone. 



BE 



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=f3=£$=3. 



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i 



That stone whose mural strength 
shall bear 

A temple broad and high, 
Where Love shall wave his banner fair 

And Truth and Friendship vie, 



To smooth the rugged path of life, 

To fright disease away, 
To guard from want, and wrong, and 

And sorrow's pain allay. [strife, 



A temple where no narrow creed 
Protects a chosen few ; 

It holds alike deserved meed 
To Christian, Turk, or Jew. 



6. 
Would that its walls could be as 
wide 
As yonder ether blue, 
That Adam's race might all abide 
In Love and Friendship true ! 

7. 
Then hail the noblest work of Love ! 

Old tyrannies shall fall ; 
The vulture nestle with the dove, 

When o'er this earthly ball 



The peaceful temples of the Odd 
Shall stand like cedars tall — 

When man shall live the laws of God, 
And Love be all in all ! 



268 



THE ODD-FELLOWS TEXT-BOOK. 



ANNIVERSARY ODE. 

For Celebrations of Lodges, or Dedications of Odd-Fellows' Halls. 



Tenor 



Th. Elmer Smith. 





/ V 

1. Joy, joy, brothers, joy ! with full hearts and glad voi-ces, 
Alto. 



a ^fe^^p a 



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•2. To our Fa-ther, whose fa-vors have e'er been ex - tend-ed, 
Air. . .. .. 



m m ms^ g^ sm 



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3. He hath opened our hands to the calls of the poor : 



4. Praise Him that our hearts are not cal-lous— not cold— 



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Let us join in a cho - rus of bless-ing and praise 



*ft 



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ggggggg^ 



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Whose smiles on our 
■■#■ 



la - bors have lightened our toil- 




That we look not on mis - 'ry with un-moistened eye- 



O, Gon ! still may Friendship shine 

bright o'er our way, 
And Love, with sweet accent, still 

breathe in our ear ! 
May Truth e'er be nigh, our defence 

and our stay, 
And for ever we'll go forth the needy 

to cheer ! 



We'll fly to the couch of the needy — 
the dying — 

We'll bind up the wounds of our bro- 
ther in pain — 

And when his cold form in the lone 
grave is lying, 

The cry of his loved ones shall never 
be vain ! 



THE ODD-FELLOWS TEXT-BOOK. 



269 



jffia^ai ^^ 



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To the Friend in whose goodness 5ll na • ture re - joi - ces- 



^mm^m^ 



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Whose power hath sustained, and whose arm hath de-fend -ed, 






t=* 



The 



need - y and friendless have come to our door, 



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That we leave not the wretch-ed to sor-row un 



told- 



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Who is ev - er dis • pen - sing his love and his grace- 



j^gg^g^ pi^! 



When as-sail - ants have threat-ened our Tern - pie to spoil. 



^mg^^gm 



And found us all 



rea - dy — all will • ing— to bless : 



ajj ^pggp^pg 



Nor 



by un 



To our Father, whose favors will e'er 
be extended — 

Whose smiles on our labors will light- 
en our toil — 

Whose power will sustain, as his arm 
hath defended, 

When assailants have threatened our 
Temple to spoil : 



• ing the wid-ow's sad cry! 



To the God in whose smile the Odd 

Fellow rejoices — 
Who is ever dispensing his love and 

his grace — 
To him, brothers, again, with full 

hearts and glad voices, 
Let us join in thanksgiving, and bless- 



ing, and praise. 



270 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

CONSECRATION ODE. 

May be sung at the Consecration of a Hall. 
Tenor. Th. Elmer Smith. 




bzzml 



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1. Un - to thee, great God, be - long Mys - tic rites and 



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***** 



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sa-cred song; Low-ly bend-ing at thy shrine, "We hail thy 



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53 



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Ma-jes - ty di - vine 



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2 Glorious Architect above ! 
Source of Light and Source of Love ! 
Here thy Light and Love prevail ; 
Hail ! almighty Master ! hail ! 

3 While, in yonder regions bright, 
The sun by day, the moon by night, 
And the stars that gild the sky, 
Blazon forth thy praise on high, 

4 Join, O earth ! and as you roll, 
From east to west, from pole to pole, 
Lift to heaven your grateful lays — 
Join the universal praise. 



5 Warmed by thy benignant grace, 
Sweet Friendship linked the human 

race ; 
Pity lodged within her breast ; 
Charity became her guest. 

6 There the naked raiment found ; 
Sickness, balsam for its wound ; 
Sorrow, comfort ; hunger, bread ; 
Strangers there a welcome shed. 



7 Still to us, O God, dispense 
Thy divine benevolence ! 
Teach the tender tear to flow, 
Melting at a brother's woe ; 

8 Like Samaria's son, that we, 
Blest with boundless charity, 

To th' admiring world may prove 
They dwell in God who dwell in 
Love. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 



271 



THE BURIAL. 

May be sung on a Funeral Occasion. 
Tenor. T. Elmer Smith. 



p^ j 



wm 



1. They are moving to the church-yard, For "the soul of one has fled,' 

S7\ 




SS^^S^si 



And the sound of solemn dirges Fol-lows close be ■ hind the dead. 



pi^ 



tt 



v#ii 




They are moving to the church-yard, 
For " the soul of one has fled j" 

And the sound of solemn dirges 
Follows close behind the dead. 



There is gloom upon each feature- 
There is sadness in each eye, 

As the lengthy train of brothers 
Passes slowly, sadly by. 



They are moving to the church-yard, 

In regalia-honor clad ; 
But each step is slow and heavy, 

For each anxious heart is sad. 



Th' widow's grief, the tears of orphans, 
These have claimed their kindred 
sigh 

From that noble band, who never 
Pass a suffering brother by. 



They will stay the widow's anguish, 
They will dry the orphan's tear ; 

In the darkest hour of sorrow 
Will the helping hand be near. 



And the man of after-years 
Shall bless those guardians of his 
youth, 
And shall link his father's memory, 
Too, with Friendship, Love, and 
Truth. 



272 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 



ODD-FELLOWS' PARTING HYMN. 

Th. Elmer Smith. 



^^li^s^a 



1. Brothers ! bind the mys-tic chain; Its links keep ev - er bright 
Not a blemish — not a stain — To dim its golden light. 



pl^^gpMfel^^ 



D. C. Heaven to earth, and earth to heaven, And man to God a - bove. 



eis^ 



gPS^te ifl 



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M 



m 



Da Capo. 



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st 



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as 



Wondrous chain, to mor-tals given, Binding in the bonds of Love, 



FFj. # 



B BBSB ai 



Da Capo. 



^^^sa^=-ggfeteg l 



2. 



Who the trembling heart shall stay, 

When sinking to the dust ; 
Who shall turn the oppressor's way, 

When trampling on the just ? 
God the sinking heart shall free ; 

He shall break the oppressor's rod ; 
Still the hand of man must be 

The minister of God. 



Brothers ! raise to heaven your hands, 

The links that bind the heart ! 
Consecrate anew the bands 

Of faith, before we part ; 
Then, in heavenly peace and trust, 

Part in Friendship, Truth, and Love, 
Till, released from earth and dust, 

We meet again above. 



273 



A 

MANUAL OF PRACTICE, 

FOR THE GUIDANCE OF 

PRESIDING OFFICERS, MEMBERS OF LODGES, ETC* 



1. The presiding officer having taken the chair, and 
a quorum being present, the minutes of the previous 
meeting must be read, and in case no mistakes appear 
upon them, they must be declared approved. The 
presiding officer must preserve (perforce, if necessary) 
order and decorum. He may speak to points of order 
in preference to other members, rising from his seat 
for that purpose ; and decide questions of order, sub- 
ject to an appeal to the body by any two members, on 
which appeal no member should speak more than once, 
unless by leave of the body. He must rise to put a 
question, but may state it sitting. He must put no 
motion until it shall be seconded. 

2. Questions must be distinctly put in this form, to 
wit: "As many as are of opinion that [as the question 
may be], say 'Ay? " and after the affirmative voice is 
expressed, "As many as are of a contrary opinion, say 

* The Rules here presented are appropriate to the govern- 
ment of all public bodies. 



274 * the odd-fellows' text-book. 

t £j s » # jf t }j e presiding officer doubt, or if a divis- 
ion be called for, the body must divide : those in the 
affirmative of the question must first rise from their seats, 
and afterward those in the negative. If the presiding 
officer still doubt, or a count be required, he may name 
two members, one from each side, to tell the members 
in the affirmative and negative ;f which being reported, 
the presiding officer must rise and state the decision to 
the body. No division and count by tellers will be in 
order, except upon the motion of two members. 

3. AJ1 committees must be appointed by the presi- 
ding officer, unless otherwise specially directed by 
the By-Laws, in which case they must be appointed 
by ballot ; and if, upon such ballot, the number re- 
quired shall not be elected by a majority of the votes 
given, the body must proceed to a second ballot, in 
which a plurality of votes may prevail ; and in case 
a greater number than is required to compose or com- 
plete a committee shall have an equal number of votes, 
the body must proceed to a further ballot or ballots. 

4. The first-named member of any committee must 
be the chairman ; and in his absence, or being excused 
by the body, the next-named member, and so on, as 
often as the case shall happen, unless the committee, 
by a majority of their number, elect a chairman. 

5. Any member may excuse himself from serving 
on any committee at the time of his appointment, if he 
is then a member of other committees. 

6. It is the duty of a committee to meet on the call 

* In Odd-Fellows' Lodges, so far as the expression of mem- 
bers is concerned, this form is changed, the voters being required 
to " give the usual sign of an Odd-Fellow." 

f In an Odd-Fellows' Lodge the Warden acts as teller. 



275 

of any two of its members, if the chairman be absent, 
or decline to appoint such meeting. 

7. In all other cases of ballot than for committees, 
a majority of the votes given must be necessary to an 
election, and where there shall not be such a majority 
on the first ballot, the ballots must be repeated until a 
majority be obtained. And in all ballotings blanks 
must be rejected, and not taken into the count in the 
enumeration of votes, or reported by the tellers. 

8. In cases of election by the body, the presiding 
officer may vote, unless a special enactment to the con- 
trary shall have been made by the body. In cases of 
equal division of the body, the presiding officer may 
have the " casting vote." If, by law, he is debarred 
this privilege, a " tie vote" decides a question lost. 

9. The order of business should be as follows : 1. 
Calling the roll of officers. 2. Reading the minutes 
of the previous meeting. 3. Consideration of previ- 
ous proposals for or certificates of membership. 4. In- 
troduction of new members. 5. Reception of new 
proposals for or certificates of membership. 6. Con- 
sideration of unfinished business. 7. Consideration 
of business of a general description. 8. The reading 
of communications. 9. Reports of committees, by 
seniority. 10. Consideration of new business. 

10. Resolutions which require investigation, or which 
it may be necessary to delay for inquiry and future ac- 
tion, must be referred to a committee, usually of three 
members, who should report as speedily as the nature 
of the subject may permit. 

11. When a member is about to speak in debate, or 
for the purpose of making any necessary inquiry, he 
must rise from his seat, and respectfully address him- 



276 THE odd-fellows' text-book. 

self to the presiding officer. He must confine himself 
to the question under debate, and avoid personality. 

12. When two or more members rise at the same 
moment, the presiding officer must decide which is 
entitled to the floor. 

13. No member should occupy an unreasonable time 
in debate : a member reporting a resolution under con- 
sideration from a committee, may open and close the 
debate upon it. 

14. Any member who shall first obtain the floor, 
after the member reporting a resolution from a com- 
mittee shall have concluded, may speak in opposition 
for any reasonable length of time, and others may fol- 
low, for and against the measure. When the debate is 
closed by order of the body, any member may be al- 
lowed five minutes to explain any amendment he may 
offer ; after which, any member who shall first obtain 
the floor may be allowed to speak five minutes in oppo- 
sition to it ; and there must be no further debate on the 
amendment ; but the same privilege of debate may be 
allowed in favor of and against any amendment that 
may be offered to the amendment : and neither the 
amendment nor an amendment to the amendment 
should be withdrawn by the mover thereof, unless by 
the unanimous consent of the body. 

15. If any member, in speaking or otherwise, trans- 
gress the rules of the body, the presiding officer must, 
or any member may call to order ; in which case, the 
member so called to order must immediately sit down, 
unless permitted to explain ; and the body must, if ap- 
pealed to, decide on the case, but without debate ; if 
there be no appeal, the decision of the chair must be 
submitted to. If the decision be in favor of the mem- 



277 

ber called to order, he should be at liberty to proceed ; 
if otherwise, he must not be permitted to proceed, in 
case any member object, without leave of the body ; 
and, if the case require it, he will be liable to the 
censure of the Society. 

16. If a member be called to order for words spo- 
ken in debate, the person calling him to order must 
repeat the words excepted to, and they must be taken 
down in writing; and no member can be held to answer, 
or be subject to censure for words spoken in debate, 
if any other member has spoken, or other business has 
intervened, after the words spoken, and before excep- 
tion to them shall have been taken. 

17. No member should speak more than once to the 
same question, without leave of the body, unless he be 
the mover, proposer, or introducer of the matter pend- 
ing ; in which case he may be permitted to speak in 
reply, but not until every member choosing to speak 
shall have spoken. 

18. If a question depending be lost by adjournment, 
and revived on the succeeding meeting, no member 
who shall have spoken at the preceding meeting should 
be permitted again to speak without leave. 

19. While the presiding officer is putting a question, 
or addressing the body, none should walk out of or 
across the room ; nor, in such case, or when a member 
is speaking, entertain private discourse ; nor, while a 
member is speaking, pass between him and the chair. 
Every member must remain uncovered during the ses- 
sion of the Society. 

20. No member should vote on any question in the 
event of which he is immediately and particularly in- 
terested. 

24 



278 

21. Every member who shall be in the room when 
the question is put must give his vote, unless the body, 
for special reason, shall excuse him. All motions to 
excuse a member from voting must be made before the 
body divides, or before a call of the yeas and nays is 
commenced ; and the question must then be taken 
without further debate. 

22. When a motion is made and seconded, it must 
be stated by the presiding officer ; or, being in writing, 
it must be handed to the chair, and read aloud by the 
Secretary, before debated. 

23. Every motion should be reduced to writing, if 
the presiding officer or any member desire it. Every 
written motion should be inserted on the minutes, with 
the name of the member making it, unless it be with- 
drawn on the same day or evening on which it was 
submitted. 

24. After a motion is stated by the presiding officer, 
or read by the Secretary, it must be deemed to be in 
possession of the body, but may be withdrawn at any 
time before a decision or amendment. 

25. When a question is under debate, no motion 
can be received but to adjourn, to lie on the table, for 
the previous question, to postpone to a day certain, to 
commit or amend, to postpone indefinitely : which sev- 
eral motions must have precedence in the order in 
which they are arranged ; and no motion to postpone 
to a day certain, to commit, or to postpone indefinitely, 
being decided, can be again allowed on the same day, 
and at the same stage of the proposition. 

26. When a resolution shall be offered, or a motion 
made, to refer any subject, and different committees 
shall be proposed, the question must be taken in the 



279 



following order : the committee of the whole ; a stand- 
ing committee ; a select committee. 

27. A motion to adjourn, and a motion to fix the 
day to which the Society shall adjourn, is always in 
order : these motions, and the motion to lie on the 
table, must be decided without debate. 

28. The hour at which every motion to adjourn is 
made should be entered on the minutes. 

29. The previous question must be in this form : 
"Shall the main question be now put?" It should 
only be admitted when demanded by a majority of the 
members present, and its effects must be to put an end 
to all debate, and bring the body to a direct vote upon 
a motion to commit, if such motion shall have been 
made ; and if this motion does not prevail, then upon 
amendments reported by a committee, if any — then 
upon pending amendments ; and then upon the main 
question. On a motion for the previous question, and 
prior to the seconding of the same, a call of the body 
will be in order ; but after a majority shall have sec- 
onded such motion, no call can be in order prior to a 
decision of the main question. A member may, at any 
time, move the previous question. 

30. On a previous question there must be no de- 
bate. All incidental questions of order arising after 
a motion is made for the previous question, and pend- 
ing such motion, must be decided, whether on appeal 
or otherwise, without debate. 

31. When a question is postponed indefinitely, the 
same should not be acted upon again. 

32. Any member may call for the division of a 
question, which must be divided if it comprehend 
propositions in substance so distinct, that one being 



280 

taken away, a substantive proposition shall remain for 
the decision of the body. A motion to strike out 
and insert should be deemed indivisible ; but a motion 
to strike out being lost, precludes neither amendment 
nor a motion to strike out and insert. 

33. Motions and reports may be committed at the 
pleasure of the body. 

34. No motion or proposition on a subject different 
from that under consideration can be admitted under 
color of amendment. No resolution can, at any time, 
be amended by annexing thereto, or incorporating 
therewith, any other resolution pending before the body. 

35. When a motion has been once made, and car- 
ried in the affirmative or negative, it will be in order 
for any member of the majority to move for the recon- 
sideration thereof, on the same or the succeeding meet- 
ing only : and such motion will take precedence of all 
other questions, except a motion to adjourn. 

36. Where papers are laid before the body, or refer- 
red to a committee, every member has a right to have 
them once read at the table before he can be com- 
pelled to vote on them. [But it is a great, though 
common, error to suppose that he has a right to have 
acts, journals, accounts, or papers, on the table, read 
independently of the will of the body. The delay 
and interruption which this might be made to produce, 
evince the impossibility of the existence of such a 
right. There is, indeed, so manifest a propriety of 
permitting every member to have as much information 
as possible on every question on which he is to vote, 
that when he desires the reading, if it be seen that it 
is really for information, and not for delay, the pre- 
siding officer directs it to be read without putting a 



281 

question, if no one objects. But if objected to, a 
question must be put.] 

37. The unfinished business in which the body was 
engaged at the last preceding adjournment, must have 
the preference in regular order ; and no motion on 
any other business must be received, without special 
leave of the body, until the former is disposed of. 

38. The name of the member who presents a pe- 
tition or memorial, or who offers a resolution to the 
consideration of the body, should be inserted on the 
minutes. 

39. The yeas and nays may be called on the de- 
mand of five members. In calling, each member, as 
his name is uttered by the Secretary, should answer 
promptly. It is proper for a member opposed to a 
measure to vote in the affirmative, and vice versa, for 
the purpose of calling for a reconsideration. 

40. When the body forms itself into a committee 
of the whole, the presiding officer must leave his chair, 
and appoint a chairman from the committee. No previous 
question can be put in a committee of the whole ; nor 
can this committee adjourn as others may ; but if their 
business is unfinished, they may rise on a question, 
resume the Society, and the chairman will report that 
the committee of the whole have, according to order, 
had under their consideration such a matter, and have 
made progress therein ; but not having time to go 
through the same, have directed him to ask leave to 
sit again : whereupon a question is put on their hav- 
ing leave, and on the time when the body will again 
resolve itself into a committee. But if they have 
gone through the matter referred to them, a member 
will move that the committee rise, and that the chair- 

24* 



282 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

man report their proceedings to the body ; which 
being resolved, the chairman will rise, the presiding 
officer resume the chair, and the chairman will inform 
him that the committee have gone through the busi- 
ness referred to them, and that he is ready to report. 

41. All questions must be propounded in the order 
in which they were moved ; but, in filling up blanks, 
the largest sum, and the longest time named, must be 
first put. 

42. No standing rule or order of the body can be 
rescinded or changed without previous notice being 
given of the motion therefor, nor any by-law be sus- 
pended, except by a unanimous vote of the members 
present : nor can the order of business, as established 
by the rules, be postponed or changed, except by a 
vote of at least two thirds of the members present. 
The body may at any time, by a vote of a majority 
of the members present, suspend the standing rules 
for the purpose of going into the committee of the 
whole ; and also for providing for the discharge of 
the committee of the whole from the further considera- 
tion of any matter referred to it, after acting without de- 
bate on all amendments pending, and that may be offered. 

43. Questions are to be put, first on the affirmative, 
and then on the negative side. After the affirmative 
shall have been put, any member who has not spoken 
before on it may rise and speak, because it is no full 
question till the negative part be put. 

44. Resolutions involving the alteration of a Con- 
stitution or By-Laws of a Society must be adopted by 
a two-thirds vote, and action on them should be post- 
poned at least two weeks beyond the time of their 
presentation. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 283 



OFFICERS OF THE R, W. GRAND LODGE OF THE 
UNITED STATES FOR THE YEARS 1849, '50. 



Robert H. Griffin, M. W. G. Sire „ Savannah, Ga. 

Asher S. Kellogg, R. W. D. G. Sire Detroit, Mich. 

James L. Ridgely, R.W. G. C. and R. Secretary -Baltimore, Md. 

Andrew E. Warner, R. W. G. Treasurer Baltimore, Md. 

Rev. E. M. P. Wells, W. G. Chaplain Boston, Mass. 

H. A. Crane, W. G. Marshal Savannah, Ga. 

Solomon H. Lewtt, W. G. Guardian Baltimore, Md. 

John E. Chamberlain, W. G. Messenger Baltimore, Md. 



REPRESENTATIVES.* 

P. G. M. Thomas M. Abbett. Baltimore, Md. 

P. G. H. P. Townsend P. Abell Middletown, Conn. 

P. G. M. George H. Andrews New York, N. Y. 

P. H. P. H. Porter Andrews New Orleans, La. 

P. G. M. H. F. Askew , Wilmington, Del. 

P. G. William F. Bayly Washington, D. C. 

* Those in italics are also members of the next Grand Lodge of the 
United States, which holds its regular seosion in September, 1851. 



284 the odd-fellows' text-book. 

P. G. William Bayley Baltimore, Md. 

P. G. M. Daniel P. Barnard Brooklyn, N. Y. 

P. G. M. D. N. Barrows Jackson, Miss. 

P. G. Horace Y. Bebee Ravenna, Ohio. 

P. G. Josiah H. Bonney Keosauqua, Iowa. 

P. G. George Brown - Pendleton, la. 

P. G. Stephen Brown Concord, N. H. 

P. G. James M. H. Brunet Petersburg, Va. 

P. G. F. R.Chace Conway, N. H. 

P. G. M. John Chester Detroit, Mich. 

P. G. P. H. N. Clark Cincinnati, Ohio. 

P. H. P. Schuyler Colfax South Bend, la. 

P. G. B. Conley Augusta, Ga. 

P. G. S. A. Corneau Springfield, 111. 

P. C. P. AmosB. Currier Concord, N. H. 

G. Sec. William Curtis Philadelphia, Pa. 

P. G. John J. Davies New York, N. Y. 

P. G. M. Wilmot G. De Saussure Charleston, S. C. 

P. C. P. David D. Egan New York, N. Y. 

P. G. M. William Ellison Boston, Mass. 

P. C. P. A. B.Ely Boston, Mass. 

P. G. B. M. Flint Calais, Me. 

P. G. M. Benjamin Follett Ypsilanti, Mich. 

P. G. Joseph B. Frost, jr Boston, Mass. 

P. G. Sec. Frederick S. Garritt Little Bock, Ark. 

P. G. S. John A. Gyles Charleston, S. C. 

P. G. James W. Hale New York, N. Y. 

G. M. Henry Holmes . St. Louis, Mo. 

P. G. JohnW. Hunt Baltimore, Md. 

P. G. Sire John A Kennedy New York, N. Y. 

P. G. Benjamin Kingsbury, jr Portland, Me. 

P. G. J. C. Larue New Orleans, La. 

G. H. P. JohnLibby St. Louis, Mo. 

P. G. T. C. M'Ewen Sandusky, Ohio. 

P. C. P. W. B. Magruder Washington, D. C. 

P. G. M. Horace A. Manchester Providence, R. I. 

P. G. John H. Manly . Raleigh, N. C. 

P. G. M. A. K. Marshall Nicholasville, Ky. 

P. G. Will. T. Martin Natchez, Miss. 

P. G. Solomon Meredith Cambridge, la. 



THE ODD-FELLOWS' TEXT-BOOK. 285 

P. G. M. James Mitchell. Burlington, Vt. 

G. Sec. Elijah Morton Nashville, Tenn. 

P. G. James Narine Jersey City, N. J. 

P. G. M. Herman L. Page Milwaukie, Wis. 

P. G. Samuel Penny,. * Mobile, Ala. 

P. G. M. W. F. Phillips Warrenton, Va. 

P. G. H. C. Pindle Lexington, Ky. 

P. G. M. John G. Potts Galena, 111. 

P. G. M. Samuel Read Mount Holly, N. J. 

P. G. William H. Rice New Orleans, La. 

P. G. P. William E. Sanford New Haven, Conn. 

P. G. R. W.Seymour Charleston, S. C. 

P. G. M. R. 0. Shaw Mobile, Ala. 

P. G. Smith Skinner Philadelphia, Pa. 

P. G. M. G. P. Smith .Nashville, Tenn. 

P. G.. M. Ballard Smith Louisville, Ky. 

P. G. M. John Fairfax Smith Wilmington, Del. 

P. G. William L. G. Smith Buffalo, N. Y. 

P. G. P. E. G. Steele Nashville, Tenn. 

P. G. James Stewart Middleford, Del. 

P. G. M. F. D. Stuart Washington, D. C. 

P. G. M. John W. Stokes Philadelphia, Pa. 

G. Sec. G. D. Tewksbury Baltimore, Md. 

P. D. G. Sire N. A. Thompson Boston, Mass. 

P. G. D. C. Trippe Whitewater, Wis. 

P. G. M. C. M. Valleau St. Louis, Mo. 

P. G. S. C. Theodore Vennigerholz Natchez, Miss. 

P. G. E. Wakely Whitewater, Wis. 

P. G. P. David S. Walbridge Kalamazoo, Mich. 

P. C P. Theodore A. Ward New York, N. Y. 

P. C. P. H. L. Webster Providence, R. I. 

P. G. William A. Wells , Reading, Pa. 

P. G. M. /. M. Wheeler Providence, R.I. 

P. G. M. Junius M. Willey Stonington, Conn. 

P. H. P. John H. Williams Portland, Me. 

P. G. P. Richard Williams Tiffin, Ohio, 

P. G. Joseph Wood Trenton, N.J. 

P. G. M. George W. Woodward Galena, 111. 

P. G. M. Woodruff Columbus, Ga. 

P. G. William C. Worthington Charlestown, Va. 



286 



OFFICERS ELECT OF THE R. W. GRAND LODGE OF 
THE U, S -TERM COMMENCING SEPT., 1851, 

P. G. M. Wm. W. Moore, M. "W. G. Sire. . .Washington, D. C. 
P. G. M. H. L. Page, R. W. D. G. Sire.-.Milwaukie, Wis. 
P. G. M. J. L. Ridgely, R. W. G. C. & R. Sec. . Baltimore, Md. 
P. G. M. A. E. Warner, R. W. G. Treas.. .Baltimore, Md. 



PAST GRAND-SIRES. 

P. G. Sire Thomas Wildey Baltimore, Md. 

" Samuel H. Perkins Philadelphia, Pa. 

" Zenas B. Glazier Wilmington, Del. 

" John A. Kennedy New York, N. Y. 

" Howell Hopkins Philadelphia, Pa. 

" Thomas Sherlock Cincinnati, Ohio. 

" Horn R. Kneass Philadelphia, Pa. 



D. D, GRAND-SIRES ELECT FOR THE YEAR 1851, 

Vermont— Eli Ballou Montpelier, Vt. 

Florida — John N. Lewis Savannah, Ga. 

Arkansas — Frederick S. Garritt Little Rock, Ark. 

Minnesota — John G. Potts Galena, 111. 



THE END. 



ODD-FELLOWS' AND MASONIC 
REGALIA, 

JEWELS, DIPLOMAS, &c, &c. 
MOSS & BROTHER, 

No. 12 South Fourth Street, Philadelphia, 

Manufacture, and keep constantly on hand, and make to 
order, Regalia of the most elegant description, and 
they invite the attention of members of the Order to an 
examination of their stock. 

Their Regalia is made of the finest materials, imported 
expressly for the purpose, is embroidered with gold and 
silver bullion in a style unsurpassed, and will bear com- 
parison in quality and price with any other in the Uni- 
ted States. 

FOR 

LODGES, ENCAMPMENTS, 

AND 

CHAPTERS, 
Always on Hand, and made to Older, 

AT THE SHORTEST NOTICE. 



MOSS & BROTHER, 

No. 12 South Fourth St., Philadelphia. 

BOOKSELLERS, PUBLISHERS, 

AND 

BLANK ACCOUNT-BOOK MANUFACTURERS, 

Keep constantly on hand a complete assortment of 

SCHOOL, CLASSICAL, MEDICAL, 

AND 

OT1 



OP THE LATEST EDITIONS. 

Also, a full Stock of 

BLANK ACCOUNT-BOOKS, 

Suitable for County Records and Dockets, Banks, Insur- 
ance Companies, Merchants and Mechanics, Lodges, &c. 
made of the best materials in a neat and substantial manner, 
and at greatly reduced prices. 
Also, an extensive assortment of 

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN STATIONERY, 

WRITING- AND LETTER PAPERS, &c, &c. 



They publish the following valuable and useful works, to 
which they invite the attention of the Public : — 

Parke's Philosophy of Arithmetic. 

Schlegel's lectures on the History of Ancient 
and Modern Literature. 

The Cottage Garden of America. 

The Poems of Alice and Phoehe Carey, who are 
more commonly known as the Sisters or the West. 

The Odd-Fellows' Text-Book ; By Paschal Don- 
aldson, D. D. Grand-Master of the Grand Lodge of North- 
ern New York. 



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